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Epistles (P. Ovidius Naso)
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Epistles

Author: P. Ovidius Naso
Translator:
1
Penelope
Ulixi
Haec
tua
Penelope
lento
tibi
mittit
,
Ulixe
;
Nil
mihi
rescribas
attinet
:
ipse
veni
!
Troia
iacet
certe
,
Danais
invisa
puellis
;
Vix
Priamus
tanti
totaque
Troia
fuit
.
O
utinam
tum
,
cum
Lacedaemona
classe
petebat
,
Obrutus
insanis
esset
adulter
aquis
!
Non
ego
deserto
iacuissem
frigida
lecto
,
Nec
quererer
tardos
ire
relicta
dies
;
Nec
mihi
quaerenti
spatiosam
fallere
noctem
Lassaret
viduas
pendula
tela
manus
.
Quando
ego
non
timui
graviora
pericula
veris
?
Res
est
solliciti
plena
timoris
amor
.
In
te
fingebam
violentos
Troas
ituros
;
Nomine
in
Hectoreo
pallida
semper
eram
.
Sive
quis
Antilochum
narrabat
ab
hoste
revictum
,
Antilochus
nostri
causa
timoris
erat
;
Sive
Menoetiaden
falsis
cecidisse
sub
armis
,
Flebam
successu
posse
carere
dolos
.
Sanguine
Tlepolemus
Lyciam
tepefecerat
hastam
;
Tlepolemi
leto
cura
novata
mea
est
.
Denique
,
quisquis
erat
castris
iugulatus
Achivis
,
Frigidius
glacie
pectus
amantis
erat
.
Sed
bene
consuluit
casto
deus
aequus
amori
.
Versa
est
in
cineres
sospite
Troia
viro
.
Argolici
rediere
duces
,
altaria
fumant
;
Ponitur
ad
patrios
barbara
praeda
deos
.
Grata
ferunt
nymphae
pro
salvis
dona
maritis
;
Illi
victa
suis
Troica
fata
canunt
.
Mirantur
iustique
senes
trepidaeque
puellae
;
Narrantis
coniunx
pendet
ab
ore
viri
.
Atque
aliquis
posita
monstrat
fera
proelia
mensa
,
Pingit
et
exiguo
Pergama
tota
mero
: '
Hac
ibat
Simois
;
haec
est
Sigeia
tellus
;
Hic
steterat
Priami
regia
celsa
senis
.
Illic
Aeacides
,
illic
tendebat
Ulixes
;
Hic
lacer
admissos
terruit
Hector
equos
.'
Omnia
namque
tuo
senior
te
quaerere
misso
Rettulerat
nato
Nestor
,
at
ille
mihi
.
Rettulit
et
ferro
Rhesumque
Dolonaque
caesos
,
Utque
sit
hic
somno
proditus
,
ille
dolo
.
Ausus
es
o
nimium
nimiumque
oblite
tuorum
! —
Thracia
nocturno
tangere
castra
dolo
Totque
simul
mactare
viros
,
adiutus
ab
uno
!
At
bene
cautus
eras
et
memor
ante
mei
!
Usque
metu
micuere
sinus
,
dum
victor
amicum
Dictus
es
Ismariis
isse
per
agmen
equis
.
Sed
mihi
quid
prodest
vestris
disiecta
lacertis
Ilios
et
,
murus
quod
fuit
,
esse
solum
,
Si
maneo
,
qualis
Troia
durante
manebam
,
Virque
mihi
dempto
fine
carendus
abest
?
Diruta
sunt
aliis
,
uni
mihi
Pergama
restant
,
Incola
captivo
quae
bove
victor
arat
.
Iam
seges
est
,
ubi
Troia
fuit
,
resecandaque
falce
Luxuriat
Phrygio
sanguine
pinguis
humus
;
Semisepulta
virum
curvis
feriuntur
aratris
Ossa
,
ruinosas
occulit
herba
domos
.
Victor
abes
,
nec
scire
mihi
,
quae
causa
morandi
,
Aut
in
quo
lateas
ferreus
orbe
,
licet
!
Quisquis
ad
haec
vertit
peregrinam
litora
puppim
,
Ille
mihi
de
te
multa
rogatus
abit
,
Quamque
tibi
reddat
,
si
te
modo
viderit
usquam
,
Traditur
huic
digitis
charta
notata
meis
.
Nos
Pylon
,
antiqui
Neleia
Nestoris
arva
,
Misimus
;
incerta
est
fama
remissa
Pylo
.
Misimus
et
Sparten
;
Sparte
quoque
nescia
veri
.
Quas
habitas
terras
,
aut
ubi
lentus
abes
?
Utilius
starent
etiamnunc
moenia
Phoebi
Irascor
votis
,
heu
,
levis
ipsa
meis
!
Scirem
ubi
pugnares
,
et
tantum
bella
timerem
,
Et
mea
cum
multis
iuncta
querela
foret
.
Quid
timeam
,
ignoro
timeo
tamen
omnia
demens
,
Et
patet
in
curas
area
lata
meas
.
Quaecumque
aequor
habet
,
quaecumque
pericula
tellus
,
Tam
longae
causas
suspicor
esse
morae
.
Haec
ego
dum
stulte
metuo
,
quae
vestra
libido
est
,
Esse
peregrino
captus
amore
potes
.
Forsitan
et
narres
,
quam
sit
tibi
rustica
coniunx
,
Quae
tantum
lanas
non
sinat
esse
rudes
.
Fallar
,
et
hoc
crimen
tenues
vanescat
in
auras
,
Neve
,
revertendi
liber
,
abesse
velis
!
Me
pater
Icarius
viduo
discedere
lecto
Cogit
et
immensas
increpat
usque
moras
.
Increpet
usque
licet
tua
sum
,
tua
dicar
oportet
;
Penelope
coniunx
semper
Ulixis
ero
.
Ille
tamen
pietate
mea
precibusque
pudicis
Frangitur
et
vires
temperat
ipse
suas
.
Dulichii
Samiique
et
quos
tulit
alta
Zacynthos
,
Turba
ruunt
in
me
luxuriosa
proci
,
Inque
tua
regnant
nullis
prohibentibus
aula
;
Viscera
nostra
,
tuae
dilacerantur
opes
.
Quid
tibi
Pisandrum
Polybumque
Medontaque
dirum
Eurymachique
avidas
Antinoique
manus
Atque
alios
referam
,
quos
omnis
turpiter
absens
Ipse
tuo
partis
sanguine
rebus
alis
?
Irus
egens
pecorisque
Melanthius
actor
edendi
Ultimus
accedunt
in
tua
damna
pudor
.
Tres
sumus
inbelles
numero
,
sine
viribus
uxor
Laertesque
senex
Telemachusque
puer
.
Ille
per
insidias
paene
est
mihi
nuper
ademptus
,
Dum
parat
invitis
omnibus
ire
Pylon
.
Di
,
precor
,
hoc
iubeant
,
ut
euntibus
ordine
fatis
Ille
meos
oculos
conprimat
,
ille
tuos
!
Hac
faciunt
custosque
boum
longaevaque
nutrix
,
Tertius
inmundae
cura
fidelis
harae
;
Sed
neque
Laertes
,
ut
qui
sit
inutilis
armis
,
Hostibus
in
mediis
regna
tenere
potest
Telemacho
veniet
,
vivat
modo
,
fortior
aetas
;
Nunc
erat
auxiliis
illa
tuenda
patris
Nec
mihi
sunt
vires
inimicos
pellere
tectis
.
Tu
citius
venias
,
portus
et
ara
tuis
!
Est
tibi
sitque
,
precor
,
natus
,
qui
mollibus
annis
In
patrias
artes
erudiendus
erat
.
Respice
Laerten
;
ut
tu
sua
lumina
condas
,
Extremum
fati
sustinet
ille
diem
.
Certe
ego
,
quae
fueram
te
discedente
puella
,
Protinus
ut
venias
,
facta
videbor
anus
.
Penelope to Ulysses DEAR Ulysses, your Penelope sends this epistle to you, so slow in your return home; write not any answer, but come yourself. Troy is no more, that city so justly odious to the Grecian dames: scarcely were Priam and all his kingdom worth such a mighty stir. Oh, how I wish that the infamous adulterer, when he sailed for Lacedæmon with his fleet, had been swallowed up by the raging seas! I had not then lain cold in a solitary bed, nor thus forlorn complained of the tedious days; the pendulous web would not then have tired my tender hands, while by such means I sought to elude the lingering nights. How often has my apprehension magnified your dangers? Love is a passion full of anxiety and fear. I often fancied you to myself assaulted by furious Trojans; and on hearing the name of Hector always turned pale. If any one informed me that Antilochus had been slain by that hero, the fate of Antilochus proved the cause of fresh disquiet to me; or, if informed that Patroclus had fallen in counterfeit armour, I lamented that this stratagem should fail of success. Tlepolemus had stained the Lycian spear with his blood, my anxiety was renewed by the catastrophè of Tlepolemus. In fine, as often as any fell in the Grecian camp, my fond heart was chilled with icy fear. But the righteous gods had regard to my chaste flame; my husband lives, and Troy is reduced to ashes. The Grecian chiefs have returned; our altars smoke; and the spoils of the barbarians are offered up to our gods. The matrons present grateful gifts for the safe return of their husbands; they in their turn sing the fate of Troy, constrained to yield to their better fortune. The good old men and timorous maids are stricken with admiration; and the eager wife hangs upon her husband's tongue as he relates. Some, ordering a table to be brought, describe upon it the fierce battles in which they were engaged, and with a little wine trace out the whole of Troy. This way, they say, flowed Simois; here is the Sigæan field; here stood the lofty palace of old Priam. There was the tent of Achilles; yonder that of Ulysses; here mangled Hector frightened the foaming horses; for old Nestor related all to your son, whom I sent to enquire after you; and he again to me. He told me likewise, that Rhesus and Dolon had been slain; how the one was surprised in his sleep, the other betrayed by guile. You also, my dear husband, alas! too, too forgetful of your family at home, adventured to enter the Thracian camp by stratagem in the night, and, assisted by Diomedes alone, to kill so great a number of men. No doubt you were wonderfully cautious, and did not forget your Penelope before the dangerous attempt. My heart never ceased beating till I heard how you rode victorious through the army of your friends upon Thracian horses. But what does it avail me that Troy has fallen by your hands, and that the spot, where formerly its walls stood, is now a level plain, if I still continue forlorn as when Troy flourished, and my husband is absent never to return? Troy remains to me alone; to others it is destroyed, and the victorious inhabitant tills it with the captive ox. Now corn grows where once Troy stood; and the ground, fattened by Phrygian blood, produces a rich crop that tempts the hand of the reaper. The half-buried bones of heroes are ploughed up by the crooked share; and rising grass covers the ruins of the houses. Though victorious, you are still absent; nor can I possibly know the cause of your long stay, or in what corner of the world my cruel Ulysses lurks. Whatever stranger touches upon these coasts, is sure to be teased with a thousand questions about you; and, when he departs, is charged with a letter to deliver to you, in whatever region of the world he may chance to see you. We sent to Pylos, the Neleian kingdom of old Nestor; but we thence received no account beside uncertain report. We sent likewise to Sparta; but Sparta, being equally ignorant of the truth, left us uncertain that lands you might be wandering over, or where you could make so long a stay. It would be better for me, if the walls of Troy were still standing. Alas! unstable and unhappy, I am offended at my own wishes. I should know in what part of the world you fought, and dread only the dangers of war; nor should I be without companions to join in my complaint. Now I know not what to fear most. I am apt to fancy you exposed to every kind of hazard, and find myself bewildered in a wide field of care. Whatever dangers arise either from sea or land, these I suspect may be the causes of so long a delay. While I thus fondly revolve these things within myself, your it is possible, are the slave of some foreign beauty (such is the inconstancy of man). Perhaps too you divert her by telling what a homely wife you have, who minds only the spindle and the distaff. But I may be deceived, and this imaginary crime may vanish into mere air and conceit; nor can I persuade myself, that, if free to return, you would be absent from me. My father Icarius urges me to leave this widowed state, and never ceases chiding me for my continued delays. Let him chide on; I am yours, and must be called yours; Penelope will ever remain the wife of Ulysses. He at length is softened by my piety and chaste prayers, and forbears to use his authority. A dissipated set of wooers from Dulichium, Samos, and lofty Zacynthos, teize me without intermission. They reign uncontrolled in your palace, and devour your wealth, our very life and support. Why should I mention Pisander, Polybus, ugly Medon, and covetous Eurymachus and Antinoüs, beside many others, who all in your absence live upon the means gained at the hazard of your life? Indigent Irus, and your goat-herd Melanthius, serve to finish your disgrace. We are only three in number, unable to defend ourselves; your wife weak and helpless, Laërtes an old man, and Telemachus a child. That beloved boy we were lately in danger of losing, as, against all our wills, he prepared to go in quest of you to Pylos. May the gods grant, that by the order of fate he may be appointed to close my eyes; to close also yours. The neat-herd, swine-herd, and aged nurse, all join in this prayer. Laërtes, now unfit for arms, is unable to maintain your right against such a crowd of enemies. Telemachus, it is true, if spared, will arrive at a more vigorous age; but at present he requires his father's protection. Nor can it be supposed that I am able to drive away this hostile crowd. Come therefore speedily, you who are our only defence and sanctuary! You have (whom Heaven preserve) a son, whose tender years should have been formed to his father's virtue and prudence. Think of Laertes, and that it is your duty to close his eyes; he now languishes on the verge of dissolution. Surely I, who, when you left me, was but a girl, when you return must appear old and decayed.
2
Phyllis
Demophoonti
Hospita
, Demophoon,
tua
te
Rhodopeia Phyllis
Ultra
promissum
tempus
abesse
queror
.
Cornua
cum
lunae
pleno
semel
orbe
coissent
,
Litoribus
nostris
ancora
pacta
tua
est
Luna
quater
latuit
,
toto
quater
orbe
recrevit
;
Nec
vehit
Actaeas
Sithonis
unda
rates
.
Tempora
si
numeres
bene
quae
numeramus
amantes
Non
venit
ante
suam
nostra
querela
diem
.
Spes
quoque
lenta
fuit
;
tarde
,
quae
credita
laedunt
,
Credimus
.
invita
nunc
es
amante
nocens
.
Saepe
fui
mendax
pro
te
mihi
,
saepe
putavi
Alba
procellosos
vela
referre
Notos
.
Thesea
devovi
,
quia
te
dimittere
nollet
;
Nec
tenuit
cursus
forsitan
ille
tuos
.
Interdum
timui
,
ne
,
dum
vada
tendis
ad
Hebri
,
Mersa
foret
cana
naufraga
puppis
aqua
.
Saepe
deos
supplex
,
ut
tu
,
scelerate
,
valeres
,
Cum
prece
turicremis
sum
venerata
sacris
;
Saepe
,
videns
ventos
caelo
pelagoque
faventes
,
Ipsa
mihi
dixi
: '
si
valet
ille
,
venit
.'
Denique
fidus
amor
,
quidquid
properantibus
obstat
,
Finxit
,
et
ad
causas
ingeniosa
fui
.
At
tu
lentus
abes
;
nec
te
iurata
reducunt
Numina
,
nec
nostro
motus
amore
redis
.
Demophoon
,
ventis
et
verba
et
vela
dedisti
;
Vela
queror
reditu
,
verba
carere
fide
.
Dic
mihi
,
quid
feci
,
nisi
non
sapienter
amavi
?
Crimine
te
potui
demeruisse
meo
.
Unum
in
me
scelus
est
,
quod
te
,
scelerate
,
recepi
;
Sed
scelus
hoc
meriti
pondus
et
instar
habet
.
Iura
fidesque
ubi
nunc
,
commissaque
dextera
dextrae
,
Quique
erat
in
falso
plurimus
ore
deus
?
Promissus
socios
ubi
nunc
Hymenaeus
in
annos
,
Qui
mihi
coniugii
sponsor
et
obses
erat
?
Per
mare
,
quod
totum
ventis
agitatur
et
undis
,
Per
quod
nempe
ieras
,
per
quod
iturus
eras
,
Perque
tuum
mihi
iurasti
nisi
fictus
et
ille
est
Concita
qui
ventis
aequora
mulcet
,
avum
,
Per
Venerem
nimiumque
mihi
facientia
tela
Altera
tela
arcus
,
altera
tela
faces
Iunonemque
,
toris
quae
praesidet
alma
maritis
,
Et
per
taediferae
mystica
sacra
deae
.
Si
de
tot
laesis
sua
numina
quisque
deorum
Vindicet
,
in
poenas
non
satis
unus
eris
.
Ah
,
laceras
etiam
puppes
furiosa
refeci
,
Ut
,
qua
desererer
,
firma
carina
foret
,
Remigiumque
dedi
,
quod
me
fugiturus
haberes
.
Heu
!
patior
telis
vulnera
facta
meis
!
Credidimus
blandis
,
quorum
tibi
copia
,
verbis
;
Credidimus
generi
nominibusque
tuis
;
Credidimus
lacrimis
an
et
hae
simulare
docentur
?
Hae
quoque
habent
artes
,
quaque
iubentur
,
eunt
?
Dis
quoque
credidimus
.
quo
iam
tot
pignora
nobis
?
Parte
satis
potui
qualibet
inde
capi
.
Nec
moveor
,
quod
te
iuvi
portuque
locoque
Debuit
haec
meriti
summa
fuisse
mei
!
Turpiter
hospitium
lecto
cumulasse
iugali
Paenitet
,
et
lateri
conseruisse
latus
.
Quae
fuit
ante
illam
,
mallem
suprema
fuisset
Nox
mihi
,
dum
potui
Phyllis
honesta
mori
.
Speravi
melius
,
quia
me
meruisse
putavi
;
Quaecumque
ex
merito
spes
venit
,
aequa
venit
.
Fallere
credentem
non
est
operosa
puellam
Gloria
.
simplicitas
digna
favore
fuit
.
Sum
decepta
tuis
et
amans
et
femina
verbis
.
Di
faciant
,
laudis
summa
sit
ista
tuae
!
Inter
et
Aegidas
,
media
statuaris
in
urbe
,
Magnificus
titulis
stet
pater
ante
suis
.
Cum
fuerit
Sciron
lectus
torvusque
Procrustes
Et
Sinis
et
tauri
mixtaque
forma
viri
Et
domitae
bello
Thebae
fusique
bimembres
Et
pulsata
nigri
regia
caeca
dei
Hoc
tua
post
illos
titulo
signetur
imago
:
Hic
est
,
cuius
amans
hospita
capta
dolo
est
.
De
tanta
rerum
turba
factisque
parentis
Sedit
in
ingenio
Cressa
relicta
tuo
.
Quod
solum
excusat
,
solum
miraris
in
illo
;
Heredem
patriae
,
perfide
,
fraudis
agis
.
Illa
nec
invideo
fruitur
meliore
marito
Inque
capistratis
tigribus
alta
sedet
;
At
mea
despecti
fugiunt
conubia
Thraces
,
Quod
ferar
externum
praeposuisse
meis
.
Atque
aliquis
'
iam
nunc
doctas
eat
,'
inquit
, '
Athenas
;
Armiferam
Thracen
qui
regat
,
alter
erit
.
Exitus
acta
probat
.'
careat
successibus
,
opto
,
Quisquis
ab
eventu
facta
notanda
putat
!
At
si
nostra
tuo
spumescant
aequora
remo
,
Iam
mihi
,
iam
dicar
consuluisse
meis
Sed
neque
consului
,
nec
te
mea
regia
tanget
Fessaque
Bistonia
membra
lavabis
aqua
!
Illa
meis
oculis
species
abeuntis
inhaeret
,
Cum
premeret
portus
classis
itura
meos
.
Ausus
es
amplecti
colloque
infusus
amantis
Oscula
per
longas
iungere
pressa
moras
Cumque
tuis
lacrimis
lacrimas
confundere
nostras
,
Quodque
foret
velis
aura
secunda
,
queri
Et
mihi
discedens
suprema
dicere
voce
: '
Phylli
,
fac
expectes
Demophoonta
tuum
!'
Expectem
,
qui
me
numquam
visurus
abisti
?
Expectem
pelago
vela
negata
meo
?
Et
tamen
expecto
redeas
modo
serus
amanti
,
Ut
tua
sit
solo
tempore
lapsa
fides
!
Quid
precor
infelix
?
te
iam
tenet
altera
coniunx
Forsitan
et
,
nobis
qui
male
favit
,
amor
;
Iamque
tibi
excidimus
,
nullam
,
puto
,
Phyllida
nosti
.
Ei
mihi
!
si
,
quae
sim
Phyllis
et
unde
,
rogas
Quae
tibi
,
Demophoon
,
longis
erroribus
acto
Threicios
portus
hospitiumque
dedi
,
Cuius
opes
auxere
meae
,
cui
dives
egenti
Munera
multa
dedi
,
multa
datura
fui
;
Quae
tibi
subieci
latissima
regna
Lycurgi
,
Nomine
femineo
vix
satis
apta
regi
,
Qua
patet
umbrosum
Rhodope
glacialis
ad
Haemum
,
Et
sacer
admissas
exigit
Hebrus
aquas
,
Cui
mea
virginitas
avibus
libata
sinistris
Castaque
fallaci
zona
recincta
manu
!
Pronuba
Tisiphone
thalamis
ululavit
in
illis
,
Et
cecinit
maestum
devia
carmen
avis
;
Adfuit
Allecto
brevibus
torquata
colubris
,
Suntque
sepulcrali
lumina
mota
face
!
Maesta
tamen
scopulos
fruticosaque
litora
calco
Quaeque
patent
oculis
litora
lata
meis
.
Sive
die
laxatur
humus
,
seu
frigida
lucent
Sidera
,
prospicio
,
quis
freta
ventus
agat
;
Et
quaecumque
procul
venientia
lintea
vidi
,
Protinus
illa
meos
auguror
esse
deos
.
In
freta
procurro
,
vix
me
retinentibus
undis
,
Mobile
qua
primas
porrigit
aequor
aquas
.
Quo
magis
accedunt
,
minus
et
minus
utilis
adsto
;
Linquor
et
ancillis
excipienda
cado
.
Est
sinus
,
adductos
modice
falcatus
in
arcus
;
Ultima
praerupta
cornua
mole
rigent
.
Hinc
mihi
suppositas
inmittere
corpus
in
undas
Mens
fuit
;
et
,
quoniam
fallere
pergis
,
erit
.
Ad
tua
me
fluctus
proiectam
litora
portent
,
Occurramque
oculis
intumulata
tuis
!
Duritia
ferrum
ut
superes
adamantaque
teque
, '
Non
tibi
sic
,'
dices
, '
Phylli
,
sequendus
eram
!'
Saepe
venenorum
sitis
est
mihi
;
saepe
cruenta
Traiectam
gladio
morte
perire
iuvat
.
Colla
quoque
,
infidis
quia
se
nectenda
lacertis
Praebuerunt
,
laqueis
inplicuisse
iuvat
.
Stat
nece
matura
tenerum
pensare
pudorem
.
In
necis
electu
parva
futura
mora
est
.
Inscribere
meo
causa
invidiosa
sepulcro
.
Aut
hoc
aut
simili
carmine
notus
eris
:
Phyllida
Demophoon
leto
dedit
hospes
amantem
;
Ille
necis
causam
praebuit
,
ipsa
manum
.
Phyllis to Demophoon O DEMOPHOÖN, Phyllis, your Thracian hostess, complains of your absence beyond the promised time. You engaged to drop anchor on our coast, when the moon should have completed her orb. Already she hath four times waned, four times renewed her full orb; and your Athenian ships do not yet stem the Thracian tide. If you reckon time in the minute manner we lovers do, this complaint will not appear to have come before its day. Hope forsook me slowly too: we are unwilling to believe what may be injurious; but now I feel it, and, in spite even of love and myself, must believe. Often have I lied to myself for your sake; often flattered myself that the raging south winds would drive hither your swelling sails. In my resentment I have cursed Theseus, imagining that he would not suffer you to depart; yet he perhaps was no cause of your stay. Sometimes I dreaded that, in making towards the shallows of Hebrus, your ship might have been swallowed up by the foaming deep. Oft before the altars with offerings of incense have I, in a suppliant manner, implored the gods for your safety, O perfidious man! Oft seeing the winds favorable, the heaven serene, and the sea calm; Surely, said I to myself, if alive, he will come. In fine, my indulgent love represented to me all the obstacles that might prevent a speedy return; and I became ingenious at finding out excuses for you. But still you linger: the gods whom you invoked have not restored you to me; nor, moved by a sense of my love, do you return. O Demophoön, you have given both your words and sails to the winds. Your sails, alas! have failed to bring you back, and your words were insincere. What have I done, unless perhaps I have loved you to excess? But surely this crime might have rather endeared me to you. My only fault is, to have loved and entertained you, faithless man: yet this fault with you ought to be a merit. Where is now your honor? where are your oaths, and plighted troth? where are the many gods who dwelt on your perjured tongue? Where is now your matrimonial vow of constancy, which was to me the pledge and security of my phasing conjugal hopes? You swore by the tempest-beaten main, which before you had often crossed, and on which you were again to hazard yourself; you swore too by your grandsire (if he also is not falsely called so) who soothes the boisterous waves; by Venus doubly armed with her torch and bow, too successful, alas! with both against me; by Juno, who presides over the marriage-bed, and the sacred mysteries of the torch-bearing goddess. If each of these wronged powers should be disposed to take vengeance for the dishonor of invoking them falsely, you alone would be insufficient for the deserved punishment. Fool that I was! I even repaired your leaky ships, that you might have a trusty fleet wherein to desert me; I supplied you also with rowers to help forward your flight. Wretched beyond expression, to be thus wounded by my own darts! Alas! I foolishly gave credit to your deluding words, of which you have such command. I confided in your race and kindred gods; I trusted to your tears: are these too taught to dissemble? Yes; even they have their artifices, and often conspire to delude. In fine, I believed your false protestations. Why did you commit so many perjuries to gain credit with me, when unhappily I was too willing to trust you? Nor do I repent that I received you into my harbour and kingdom: this ought to have been the utmost bound of my indulgence. I am only ashamed of having crowned my hospiality with the present of my bed, and yielded myself up to your embraces. Oh! had the night preceding that fatal one been my last, Phyllis had died chaste and honest. I hoped the best, because I was conscious I deserved well of you. Hope, founded upon desert, is just and unblameable. Surely it is no mighty glory to deceive a credulous maid; my innocent simplicity merited a kind return. You have by your flattering words deluded a woman, and one that loved you. May the gods grant that this may be your greatest boast! May you stand in the midst of the city among the posterity of Ægeus! May the statue of your father graced with inscriptions and trophies stand first! When the stories of Scyron and stern Procrustes shall be read, Sinis, and the Minotaur; Thebes brought under subjection, the Centaurs dispersed, and the dark palace of the infernal god alarmed, may thy hated image bear this inscription: This is he, who betrayed his innocent believing hostess. Of all the mighty acts of your father, Ariadne deserted seems to please you most. You admire only in him what alone seems to want an excuse, and are the perfidious heir of your father's treachery. She (nor do I envy her) enjoys a better match, and rides in state, drawn by harnessed tigers. But the Thracian youths whom I scorned before, now shun my embraces, because I preferred a stranger to my own subjects. Some in derision say, Let her now repair to learned Athens; we will find another to rule over warlike Thrace: the end proves all things. May heaven deny him success in every thing, who presumes to judge of actions by the event: for, were your vessels to plough the Thracian waves, I should still be said to have studied my own and my people is good. But alas! I have consulted neither. You think no more of my palace, nor will you ever again bathe your wearied limbs in the Thracian lake. Our parting scene still presents itself to my fancy: your fleet being in readiness to sail, you embraced me, and, falling upon my neck, oft repeated the long-breathed kisses: you mixed your tears with mine, and complained that the wind was favorable; then parting, cried, Be sure, Phyllis, to expect your Demophoön. Can I expect one who left me never to return? Can I expect ships never designed to visit these coasts? And yet I still expect you; return, though late, that your only crime may be too long a stay. Unhappy Phyllis, what do you pray for? He perhaps is detained by another mistress, and a love that banishes all remembrance of thee. Alas! I fear that, since you left me, you have never once thought of Phyllis. Cruel fate! should you be at a loss to know who I Phyllis am, and whence; I: who admitted you, after a long course of wandering, into our Thracian harbours, and entertained you in so hospitable a manner; who increased your wealth from my own stock, supplied your wants by many gifts, and intended to have enriched you still more; who subjected to your rule the spacious kingdom of Lycurgus, too warlike and fierce to be awed by a female name; even from Rhodope covered with eternal snow, to shady Hæmus, and where gentle Hebrus rolls his sacred stream; on whom in an unlucky hour I bestowed my virgin love, and whom I suffered with treacherous hands to untie my chaste girdle. Doubtless Tisiphone howled over us in that fatal night, and the wandering owl complained in mournful notes. Alecto too was present, her hair wreathed with curling snakes; and lighted the tapers with infernal flame. Disconsolate, I tread the rocks and shore overgrown with shrubs, where-ever the wide sea lies open to my eyes. Whether by day, when earth relenting feels the genial heat, or by night when the stars shine, and cold damps fall, I am anxious in observing the course of the winds. If by chance I can espy and distant sail, forthwith I divine it to be my Demophoön. I run towards the shore whither the inconstant billows flow, and can scarcely be restrained even by the waves. The nearer they approach, the more my fears increase, till at last fainting away I am carried home by my train. Near my present abode is a bay, bent in the manner of a bow, whose sides running out into the sea form a precipice of rocks. Hence my despair has often urged me to throw myself headlong into the raging flood; and I am still resolved upon it, because you continue to deceive me. The friendly waves may perhaps waft me over to the Athenian shore, and my unburied remains may there meet your unexpecting eyes. Though more hard-hearted than iron or adamant, year even than yourself, you will in pity say; Alas! Phyllis, you ought not to have followed me thus. Oft I thirst after poisons; oft resolve to pierce my heart, and perish by a bloody death. Sometimes I think of tying a silken knot upon that neck, round which you have so often twined your treacherous arms. It is fixed; I must repair my ruined honor by a speedy death: when the mind is once determined, it is easy to choose the mode of dying. You shall be marked upon my tomb as the cruel cause of my death, and handed down to posterity in these or similar lines: Phyilis died by the cruelty of Demophoön; a faithful mistress by a perfidious guest. He was the barbarous cause; she herself gave the fatal blow.
3
Briseis
Achilli
Quam
legis
,
a
rapta
Briseide
littera
venit
,
Vix
bene
barbarica
Graeca
notata
manu
.
Quascumque
adspicies
,
lacrimae
fecere
lituras
;
Sed
tamen
et
lacrimae
pondera
vocis
habent
.
Si
mihi
pauca
queri
de
te
dominoque
viroque
Fas
est
,
de
domino
pauca
viroque
querar
.
Non
,
ego
poscenti
quod
sum
cito
tradita
regi
,
Culpa
tua
est
quamvis
haec
quoque
culpa
tua
est
;
Nam
simul
Eurybates
me
Talthybiusque
vocarunt
,
Eurybati
data
sum
Talthybioque
comes
.
Alter
in
alterius
iactantes
lumina
vultum
Quaerebant
taciti
,
noster
ubi
esset
amor
.
Differri
potui
;
poenae
mora
grata
fuisset
.
Ei
mihi
!
discedens
oscula
nulla
dedi
;
At
lacrimas
sine
fine
dedi
rupique
capillos
Infelix
iterum
sum
mihi
visa
capi
!
Saepe
ego
decepto
volui
custode
reverti
,
Sed
,
me
qui
timidam
prenderet
,
hostis
erat
.
Si
progressa
forem
,
caperer
ne
,
nocte
,
timebam
,
Quamlibet
ad
Priami
munus
itura
nurum
.
Sed
data
sim
,
quia
danda
fui
tot
noctibus
absum
Nec
repetor
;
cessas
,
iraque
lenta
tua
est
.
Ipse
Menoetiades
tum
,
cum
tradebar
,
in
aurem
'
Quid
fles
?
hic
parvo
tempore
,'
dixit
, '
eris
.'
Nec
repetisse
parum
;
pugnas
ne
reddar
,
Achille
!
I
nunc
et
cupidi
nomen
amantis
habe
!
Venerunt
ad
te
Telamone
et
Amyntore
nati
Ille
gradu
propior
sanguinis
,
ille
comes
Laertaque
satus
,
per
quos
comitata
redirem
(
auxerunt
blandas
grandia
dona
preces
)
Viginti
fulvos
operoso
ex
aere
lebetas
,
Et
tripodas
septem
pondere
et
arte
pares
;
Addita
sunt
illis
auri
bis
quinque
talenta
,
Bis
sex
adsueti
vincere
semper
equi
,
Quodque
supervacuum
est
,
forma
praestante
puellae
Lesbides
,
eversa
corpora
capta
domo
,
Cumque
tot
his
sed
non
opus
est
tibi
coniuge
coniunx
Ex
Agamemnoniis
una
puella
tribus
.
Si
tibi
ab
Atride
pretio
redimenda
fuissem
,
Quae
dare
debueras
,
accipere
illa
negas
!
Qua
merui
culpa
fieri
tibi
vilis
,
Achille
?
Quo
levis
a
nobis
tam
cito
fugit
amor
?
An
miseros
tristis
fortuna
tenaciter
urget
,
Nec
venit
inceptis
mollior
hora
malis
?
Diruta
Marte
tuo
Lyrnesia
moenia
vidi
Et
fueram
patriae
pars
ego
magna
meae
;
Vidi
consortes
pariter
generisque
necisque
Tres
cecidisse
,
quibus
,
quae
mihi
,
mater
erat
;
Vidi
,
quantus
erat
,
fusum
tellure
cruenta
Pectora
iactantem
sanguinolenta
virum
.
Tot
tamen
amissis
te
conpensavimus
unum
;
Tu
dominus
,
tu
vir
,
tu
mihi
frater
eras
.
Tu
mihi
,
iuratus
per
numina
matris
aquosae
,
Utile
dicebas
ipse
fuisse
capi
Scilicet
ut
,
quamvis
veniam
dotata
,
repellas
Et
mecum
fugias
quae
tibi
dantur
opes
!
Quin
etiam
fama
est
,
cum
crastina
fulserit
Eos
,
Te
dare
nubiferis
lintea
velle
Notis
.
Quod
scelus
ut
pavidas
miserae
mihi
contigit
aures
,
Sanguinis
atque
animi
pectus
inane
fuit
.
Ibis
et
o
miseram
! —
cui
me
,
violente
,
relinquis
?
Quis
mihi
desertae
mite
levamen
erit
?
Devorer
ante
,
precor
,
subito
telluris
hiatu
Aut
rutilo
missi
fulminis
igne
cremer
,
Quam
sine
me
Pthiis
canescant
aequora
remis
,
Et
videam
puppes
ire
relicta
tuas
!
Si
tibi
iam
reditusque
placent
patriique
Penates
,
Non
ego
sum
classi
sarcina
magna
tuae
.
Victorem
captiva
sequar
,
non
nupta
maritum
;
Est
mihi
,
quae
lanas
molliat
,
apta
manus
.
Inter
Achaeiadas
longe
pulcherrima
matres
In
thalamos
coniunx
ibit
eatque
tuos
,
Digna
nurus
socero
,
Iovis
Aeginaeque
nepote
,
Cuique
senex
Nereus
prosocer
esse
velit
.
Nos
humiles
famulaeque
tuae
data
pensa
trahemus
,
Et
minuent
plenas
stamina
nostra
colos
.
Exagitet
ne
me
tantum
tua
,
deprecor
,
uxor
Quae
mihi
nescio
quo
non
erit
aequa
modo
Neve
meos
coram
scindi
patiare
capillos
Et
leviter
dicas
: '
haec
quoque
nostra
fuit
.'
Vel
patiare
licet
,
dum
ne
contempta
relinquar
Hic
mihi
vae
!
miserae
concutit
ossa
metus
.
Quid
tamen
expectas
?
Agamemnona
paenitet
irae
,
Et
iacet
ante
tuos
Graecia
maesta
pedes
.
Vince
animos
iramque
tuam
,
qui
cetera
vincis
!
Quid
lacerat
Danaas
inpiger
Hector
opes
?
Arma
cape
,
Aeacide
,
sed
me
tamen
ante
recepta
,
Et
preme
turbatos
Marte
favente
viros
!
Propter
me
mota
est
,
propter
me
desinat
ira
,
Simque
ego
tristitiae
causa
modusque
tuae
.
Nec
tibi
turpe
puta
precibus
succumbere
nostris
;
Coniugis
Oenides
versus
in
arma
prece
est
.
Res
audita
mihi
,
nota
est
tibi
.
fratribus
orba
Devovit
nati
spemque
caputque
parens
.
Bellum
erat
;
ille
ferox
positis
secessit
ab
armis
Et
patriae
rigida
mente
negavit
opem
.
Sola
virum
coniunx
flexit
.
felicior
illa
!
At
mea
pro
nullo
pondere
verba
cadunt
.
Nec
tamen
indignor
nec
me
pro
coniuge
gessi
Saepius
in
domini
serva
vocata
torum
.
Me
quaedam
,
memini
,
dominam
captiva
vocabat
. '
Servitio
,'
dixi
, '
nominis
addis
onus
.'
Per
tamen
ossa
viri
subito
male
tecta
sepulcro
,
Semper
iudiciis
ossa
verenda
meis
;
Perque
trium
fortes
animas
,
mea
numina
,
fratrum
,
Qui
bene
pro
patria
cum
patriaque
iacent
;
Perque
tuum
nostrumque
caput
,
quae
iunximus
una
,
Perque
tuos
enses
,
cognita
tela
meis
Nulla
Mycenaeum
sociasse
cubilia
mecum
Iuro
;
fallentem
deseruisse
velis
!
Si
tibi
nunc
dicam
,
fortissime
: '
tu
quoque
iura
Nulla
tibi
sine
me
gaudia
capta
!'
neges
.
At
Danai
maerere
putant
tibi
plectra
moventur
,
Te
tenet
in
tepido
mollis
amica
sinu
!
Et
quisquam
quaerit
,
quare
pugnare
recuses
?
Pugna
nocet
,
citharae
voxque
Venusque
iuvant
.
Tutius
est
iacuisse
toro
,
tenuisse
puellam
,
Threiciam
digitis
increpuisse
lyram
,
Quam
manibus
clipeos
et
acutae
cuspidis
hastam
,
Et
galeam
pressa
sustinuisse
coma
.
Sed
tibi
pro
tutis
insignia
facta
placebant
,
Partaque
bellando
gloria
dulcis
erat
.
An
tantum
dum
me
caperes
,
fera
bella
probabas
,
Cumque
mea
patria
laus
tua
victa
iacet
?
Di
melius
!
validoque
,
precor
,
vibrata
lacerto
Transeat
Hectoreum
Pelias
hasta
latus
!
Mittite
me
,
Danai
!
dominum
legata
rogabo
Multaque
mandatis
oscula
mixta
feram
.
Plus
ego
quam
Phoenix
,
plus
quam
facundus
Ulixes
,
Plus
ego
quam
Teucri
,
credite
,
frater
agam
.
Est
aliquid
collum
solitis
tetigisse
lacertis
,
Praesentisque
oculos
admonuisse
sui
.
Sis
licet
inmitis
matrisque
ferocior
undis
,
Ut
taceam
,
lacrimis
conminuere
meis
.
Nunc
quoque
sic
omnes
Peleus
pater
inpleat
annos
,
Sic
eat
auspiciis
Pyrrhus
ad
arma
tuis
! —
Respice
sollicitam
Briseida
,
fortis
Achille
,
Nec
miseram
lenta
ferreus
ure
mora
!
Aut
,
si
versus
amor
tuus
est
in
taedia
nostri
,
Quam
sine
te
cogis
vivere
,
coge
mori
!
Utque
facis
,
coges
.
abiit
corpusque
colorque
;
Sustinet
hoc
animae
spes
tamen
una
tui
.
Qua
si
destituor
,
repetam
fratresque
virumque
Nec
tibi
magnificum
femina
iussa
mori
.
Cur
autem
iubeas
?
stricto
pete
corpora
ferro
;
Est
mihi
qui
fosso
pectore
sanguis
eat
.
Me
petat
ille
tuus
,
qui
,
si
dea
passa
fuisset
,
Ensis
in
Atridae
pectus
iturus
erat
!
A
,
potius
serves
nostram
,
tua
munera
,
vitam
!
Quod
dederas
hosti
victor
,
amica
rogo
.
Perdere
quos
melius
possis
,
Neptunia
praebent
Pergama
;
materiam
caedis
ab
hoste
pete
.
Me
modo
,
sive
paras
inpellere
remige
classem
,
Sive
manes
,
domini
iure
venire
iube
!
Briseis to Achilles THE letter which you now read in broken Greek, written by a foreign hand, comes from captive Briseis. Whatever blots you observe, were occasioned by my tears; but even tears are often more prevalent than words. If it may be allowed to complain a little of my lord and husband, I have a few causes of complaint against you, who are both. I do not blame you that I was so tamely delivered up to the king when demanded; and yet, even in that point, you are not altogether without blame: for no sooner was I demanded by Eurybates and Talthybius, than I was delivered up to be carried away by those military heralds. each regarding the other with a look of surprise, inquired in whispers, Where is their so famed love? I might have been detained somewhat longer; delay of miscry would have been grateful. Alas! when torn from you, I gave no parting kisses: but my tears flowed without ceasing; I tore my hair, and hapless seemed to myself, for the second time, a captive. I have often thought to deceive my keeper and escape, but trembled at the apprehension of falling into the hands of the enemy. I dreaded that, upon leaving the Grecian camp, I might again perhaps become a captive, and presented to some of the daughters-in-law of Priam. But I was delivered up, because so it must be. Though absent many nights, I am not demanded back. You linger, and are slow of resenting. Patroclus himself, when I was carried away, whispered in my ear, Why do you weep? your stay with Agamemnon will be very short. But your neglect of requiring me again from the hing is the least part of your crime; you even strive against my return. Weight now with yourself what right you have to the name of a lover. The sons of Telamon and Amyntor came ambassadors from Agamemnon; the first related to you by blood, the other your friend and guardian: the son also of Laertes came; by whom I might have returned attended. Softening entreaties were added to their costly presents,—twenty shining vessels curiously wrought in Corinthian brass, and seven tripods, alike in weight and workmanship. To these were added twice five talents of gold, and twelve spirited steeds. matchless in the race; and (what might have well been spared) Lesbian girls of exquisite beauty, captives of that pillaged island. With these (but what need of this?) you had the choice of one of Agamemnon's three daughters for a wife. You refused to accept me with gifts, which, had Agamemnon consented to my ransom, you ought with joy to have carried to him. What have I done thus to merit your neglect, Achilles? Whither has your changeable love so soon fled? Does cruel fortune incessantly pursue the wretched? Shall no propitious gales favour my chaste hopes? I saw the walls of Lyrnessus give way to your irresistible attack; nor was I an inconsiderable part of my native country. I saw three fall, brethren in blood as well as fate; who all sprang from the same mother. I saw my husband too stretched upon the bloody plain, and tossing with anguish his breast drenched in gore. Yet all these losses were recompensed in you alone; you were to me instead of a husband, a lord, a brother. You swore to me by the sacred deity of your sea-green mother, that it should be my happiness to have fallen a captive into your hands: for instance; to refuse me though offered to you with a large dowry, and reject the riches which you are urged to accept with me! It is even reported, that when returning Aurora gilds the mountains, you will open your flaxen sails to the cloud-bearing south winds. Soon as this cruel resolve reached my trembling ears, the blood forsook my breast; I was without life or soul. You will then abandon me! O barbarous man, what misery are you preparing for hapless Briseis! What solace can I expect in my forlorn state? Sooner may the gaping earth swallow me up, or the missile bolts of Jove overwhelm me, than I, abandoned, be doomed to behold the sea foaming after your Thessalian oars, and your ships deserting my distracted view. If you are determined to return, and visit again your native fields, I can be no very cumbersome load to your fleet. I submit to follow you as a captive subject to her conqueror, not as a spouse accompanying her husband. My hand will not disdain the meanest office. May the fairest of the Grecian dames become the happy partner of your bed, one worthy of such a father-in-law as the grandson of Jupiter and Ægina, to whom old Nereus will not disdain to be related. I her humble handmaid will diligently ply my task, and the twisted threads shall lessen the loaded distaff. Grant only that your wife, who I fear will regard me as a rival, be not suffered to treat me cruelly. Let her not tear my hair in your presence, while you unconcerned say, This girl was once dear to me. But I will submit to bear even this, rather than be left behind helpless and neglected. The dread of such treatment shakes my wretched frame. What can you wish for more? Agamemnon repents of his anger; and disconsolate Greece falls at your feet. You who are conqueror every where else, be master also of yourself and your passions. Why is insulting Hector allowed to triumph over the Grecian troops? Take arms, brave grandson of Æacus, after first receiving me to your embraces; and urge their vanquished troops with a victorious spear. Your resentment was first kindled for my sake; let it cease also for my sake: may I be both the cause and measure of your disgust. Nor think it dishonorable to yield to my entreaties. Meleager took up arms at the request of his wife. I have it only by hearsay; but you are acquainted with the whole story. Althæa's brothers being slain by her son, the unhappy parent devoted him with many imprecations. A war ensued: he, disgusted, laid down his arms, retired, and obstinately refused to assist his native country. His wife alone had power to move him: thrice happy she! But my words, alas! have no weight with you. Yet do I not repine; nor, though often called to my lord's bed, did I ever boast that I was your wife. One of the captives, I remember, called me mistress. You only increase, said I, the weight of my servitude by that name. I swear by the slightly-buried bones of my husband, those remains which must ever appear venerable to me; by the sacred ghosts of my three undaunted brothers, who bravely died for and with their country; by your lips and mine, which we have often joined in love; and by your conquering sword, too well known to my house; that Agamemnon has shared none of the joys of my bed. If I speak falsely, may I be eternally forsaken by you. Where I now to say, Do you too, great hero, swear that you have tasted no joys apart from me, must you not refuse? And yet the Greeks fancy you plunged in grief. You, mean-while, solace yourself with the harp, resigned to the soft embraces of a fond mistress. Should any one ask why you so obstinately refuse to fight, you say, War is become hateful; only night, love, and music, charm. It is safer to be content with domestic pleasures, to cherish a beloved mistress, and exercise the fingers upon a Thracian harp, than to grasp a target and sharp-pointed spear, and load the head with a weighty helmet. Heretofore you preferred the glory of illustrious actions to ease; and the fame acquired in war was all your aim. Could martial deeds then only please till I was made a captive? Is your thirst of praise extinguished in the fall of my country? Heaven forbid! May the Pelian spear, urged by your victorious arm, pierce the loins of Hector. Send me, O ye Greeks, as your ambassador, to solicit my lord: I will enforce your requests with a thousand melting kisses. Trust me, I can do more with him than Phœnix, more than the brother of Teucer, even more than eloquent Ulysses. There is rhetoric in throwing my once familiar arms round his neck, and putting him in mind that it is his Briseis who urges the request. Though you are cruel and more obdurate than the waves of the sea, my silence and tears must prevail. Now then (so may your father Peleus measure out his full term of years, and Pyrrhus enter upon war with your propitious fortune), brave Achilles, have respect to your Briseis, oppressed with a load of anxiety; nor kill her with your cruel delays. Or, if your former love is turned to disdain, rather hasten my fate, than force me thus to live without you. And even as it is, you hasten it; my beauty and bloom have fled; and the remaining faint hope of your love alone supports life: if this also should fail, my hard destiny will soon join me to the shades of my brothers and husband; nor will it add to your fame, to have occasioned the death of one who loved you. But why thus torment me by a lingering death? Plunge into my breast your naked poignard; I have still blood enough left to stream from the gaping wound. Let your sword, which (had not Minerva interposed) would have reached the heart of Atrides, find its way to mine. Ah rather preserve a life that is your own gift: I ask no more from my lover than what he formerly granted me when an enemy. The walls of Troy, built by Neptune, will afford more ample matter for your resentment. Hunt ruin in the hostile field. Let me only request, whatever be your design, whether to remain here, or navigate your fleet home, that, in right of master, you command me to attend you.
4 Phaedra Hippolyto
Quam
nisi
tu
dederis
,
caritura
est
ipsa
,
salutem
Mittit
Amazonio
Cressa
puella
viro
.
Perlege
,
quodcumque
est
quid
epistula
lecta
nocebit
?
Te
quoque
in
hac
aliquid
quod
iuvet
esse
potest
;
His
arcana
notis
terra
pelagoque
feruntur
.
Inspicit
acceptas
hostis
ab
hoste
notas
.
Ter
tecum
conata
loqui
ter
inutilis
haesit
Lingua
,
ter
in
primo
restitit
ore
sonus
.
Qua
licet
et
sequitur
,
pudor
est
miscendus
amori
;
Dicere
quae
puduit
,
scribere
iussit
amor
.
Quidquid
Amor
iussit
,
non
est
contemnere
tutum
;
Regnat
et
in
dominos
ius
habet
ille
deos
.
Ille
mihi
primo
dubitanti
scribere
dixit
: '
Scribe
!
dabit
victas
ferreus
ille
manus
.'
Adsit
et
,
ut
nostras
avido
fovet
igne
medullas
,
Figat
sic
animos
in
mea
vota
tuos
!
Non
ego
nequitia
socialia
foedera
rumpam
;
Fama
velim
quaeras
crimine
nostra
vacat
.
Venit
amor
gravius
,
quo
serius
urimur
intus
;
Urimur
,
et
caecum
pectora
vulnus
habent
.
Scilicet
ut
teneros
laedunt
iuga
prima
iuvencos
,
Frenaque
vix
patitur
de
grege
captus
equus
,
Sic
male
vixque
subit
primos
rude
pectus
amores
,
Sarcinaque
haec
animo
non
sedet
apta
meo
.
Ars
fit
,
ubi
a
teneris
crimen
condiscitur
annis
;
Cui
venit
exacto
tempore
,
peius
amat
.
Tu
nova
servatae
capies
libamina
famae
,
Et
pariter
nostrum
fiet
uterque
nocens
.
Est
aliquid
,
plenis
pomaria
carpere
ramis
,
Et
tenui
primam
delegere
ungue
rosam
.
Si
tamen
ille
prior
,
quo
me
sine
crimine
gessi
,
Candor
ab
insolita
labe
notandus
erat
,
At
bene
successit
,
digno
quod
adurimur
igni
;
Peius
adulterio
turpis
adulter
obest
.
Si
mihi
concedat
Iuno
fratremque
virumque
,
Hippolytum
videor
praepositura
Iovi
!
Iam
quoque
vix
credes
ignotas
mittor
in
artes
;
Est
mihi
per
saevas
impetus
ire
feras
.
Iam
mihi
prima
dea
est
arcu
praesignis
adunco
Delia
;
iudicium
subsequor
ipsa
tuum
.
In
nemus
ire
libet
pressisque
in
retia
cervis
Hortari
celeris
per
iuga
summa
canes
,
Aut
tremulum
excusso
iaculum
vibrare
lacerto
,
Aut
in
graminea
ponere
corpus
humo
.
Saepe
iuvat
versare
leves
in
pulvere
currus
Torquentem
frenis
ora
fugacis
equi
;
Nunc
feror
,
ut
Bacchi
furiis
Eleleides
actae
,
Quaeque
sub
Idaeo
tympana
colle
movent
,
Aut
quas
semideae
Dryades
Faunique
bicornes
Numine
contactas
attonuere
suo
.
Namque
mihi
referunt
,
cum
se
furor
ille
remisit
,
Omnia
;
me
tacitam
conscius
urit
amor
.
Forsitan
hunc
generis
fato
reddamus
amorem
,
Et
Venus
ex
tota
gente
tributa
petat
.
Iuppiter
Europen
prima
est
ea
gentis
origo
Dilexit
,
tauro
dissimulante
deum
.
Pasiphae
mater
,
decepto
subdita
tauro
,
Enixa
est
utero
crimen
onusque
suo
.
Perfidus
Aegides
,
ducentia
fila
secutus
,
Curva
meae
fugit
tecta
sororis
ope
.
En
,
ego
nunc
,
ne
forte
parum
Minoia
credar
,
In
socias
leges
ultima
gentis
eo
!
Hoc
quoque
fatale
est
:
placuit
domus
una
duabus
;
Me
tua
forma
capit
,
capta
parente
soror
.
Thesides
Theseusque
duas
rapuere
sorores
Ponite
de
nostra
bina
tropaea
domo
!
Tempore
quo
nobis
inita
est
Cerealis
Eleusin
,
Gnosia
me
vellem
detinuisset
humus
!
Tunc
mihi
praecipue
(
nec
non
tamen
ante
placebas
)
Acer
in
extremis
ossibus
haesit
amor
.
Candida
vestis
erat
,
praecincti
flore
capilli
,
Flava
verecundus
tinxerat
ora
rubor
,
Quemque
vocant
aliae
vultum
rigidumque
trucemque
,
Pro
rigido
Phaedra
iudice
fortis
erat
.
Sint
procul
a
nobis
iuvenes
ut
femina
compti
! —
Fine
coli
modico
forma
virilis
amat
.
Te
tuus
iste
rigor
positique
sine
arte
capilli
Et
levis
egregio
pulvis
in
ore
decet
.
Sive
ferocis
equi
luctantia
colla
recurvas
,
Exiguo
flexos
miror
in
orbe
pedes
;
Seu
lentum
valido
torques
hastile
lacerto
,
Ora
ferox
in
se
versa
lacertus
habet
,
Sive
tenes
lato
venabula
cornea
ferro
.
Denique
nostra
iuvat
lumina
,
quidquid
agis
.
Tu
modo
duritiam
silvis
depone
iugosis
;
Non
sum
militia
digna
perire
tua
.
Quid
iuvat
incinctae
studia
exercere
Dianae
,
Et
Veneri
numeros
eripuisse
suos
?
Quod
caret
alterna
requie
,
durabile
non
est
;
Haec
reparat
vires
fessaque
membra
novat
.
Arcus
et
arma
tuae
tibi
sunt
imitanda
Dianae
Si
numquam
cesses
tendere
,
mollis
erit
.
Clarus
erat
silvis
Cephalus
,
multaeque
per
herbas
Conciderant
illo
percutiente
ferae
;
Nec
tamen
Aurorae
male
se
praebebat
amandum
.
Ibat
ad
hunc
sapiens
a
sene
diva
viro
.
Saepe
sub
ilicibus
Venerem
Cinyraque
creatum
Sustinuit
positos
quaelibet
herba
duos
.
Arsit
et
Oenides
in
Maenalia
Atalanta
;
Illa
ferae
spolium
pignus
amoris
habet
.
Nos
quoque
quam
primum
turba
numeremur
in
ista
!
Si
Venerem
tollas
,
rustica
silva
tua
est
.
Ipsa
comes
veniam
,
nec
me
latebrosa
movebunt
Saxa
neque
obliquo
dente
timendus
aper
.
Aequora
bina
suis
obpugnant
fluctibus
isthmon
,
Et
tenuis
tellus
audit
utrumque
mare
.
Hic
tecum
Troezena
colam
,
Pittheia
regna
;
Iam
nunc
est
patria
carior
illa
mea
.
Tempore
abest
aberitque
diu
Neptunius
heros
;
Illum
Pirithoi
detinet
ora
sui
.
Praeposuit
Theseus
nisi
si
manifesta
negamus
Pirithoum
Phaedrae
Pirithoumque
tibi
.
Sola
nec
haec
ad
nos
iniuria
venit
ab
illo
;
In
magnis
laesi
rebus
uterque
sumus
.
Ossa
mei
fratris
clava
perfracta
trinodi
Sparsit
humi
;
soror
est
praeda
relicta
feris
.
Prima
securigeras
inter
virtute
puellas
Te
peperit
,
nati
digna
vigore
parens
;
Si
quaeras
,
ubi
sit
Theseus
latus
ense
peregit
,
Nec
tanto
mater
pignore
tuta
fuit
.
At
ne
nupta
quidem
taedaque
accepta
iugali
Cur
,
nisi
ne
caperes
regna
paterna
nothus
?
Addidit
et
fratres
ex
me
tibi
,
quos
tamen
omnis
Non
ego
tollendi
causa
,
sed
ille
fuit
.
O
utinam
nocitura
tibi
,
pulcherrime
rerum
,
In
medio
nisu
viscera
rupta
forent
!
I
nunc
,
sic
meriti
lectum
reverere
parentis
Quem
fugit
et
factis
abdicat
ipse
suis
!
Nec
,
quia
privigno
videar
coitura
noverca
,
Terruerint
animos
nomina
vana
tuos
.
Ista
vetus
pietas
,
aevo
moritura
futuro
,
Rustica
Saturno
regna
tenente
fuit
.
Iuppiter
esse
pium
statuit
,
quodcumque
iuvaret
,
Et
fas
omne
facit
fratre
marita
soror
.
Illa
coit
firma
generis
iunctura
catena
,
Inposuit
nodos
cui
Venus
ipsa
suos
.
Nec
labor
est
celare
,
licet
peccemus
,
amorem
.
Cognato
poterit
nomine
culpa
tegi
.
Viderit
amplexos
aliquis
,
laudabimur
ambo
;
Dicar
privigno
fida
noverca
meo
.
Non
tibi
per
tenebras
duri
reseranda
mariti
Ianua
,
non
custos
decipiendus
erit
;
Ut
tenuit
domus
una
duos
,
domus
una
tenebit
;
Oscula
aperta
dabas
,
oscula
aperta
dabis
;
Tutus
eris
mecum
laudemque
merebere
culpa
,
Tu
licet
in
lecto
conspiciare
meo
.
Tolle
moras
tantum
properataque
foedera
iunge
Qui
mihi
nunc
saevit
,
sic
tibi
parcat
Amor
!
Non
ego
dedignor
supplex
humilisque
precari
.
Heu
!
ubi
nunc
fastus
altaque
verba
iacent
?
Et
pugnare
diu
nec
me
submittere
culpae
Certa
fui
certi
siquid
haberet
amor
;
Victa
precor
genibusque
tuis
regalia
tendo
Bracchia
!
quid
deceat
,
non
videt
ullus
amans
.
Depudui
,
profugusque
pudor
sua
signa
reliquit
.
Da
veniam
fasse
duraque
corda
doma
!
Quod
mihi
sit
genitor
,
qui
possidet
aequora
,
Minos
,
Quod
veniant
proavi
fulmina
torta
manu
,
Quod
sit
avus
radiis
frontem
vallatus
acutis
,
Purpureo
tepidum
qui
movet
axe
diem
Nobilitas
sub
amore
iacet
!
miserere
priorum
Et
,
mihi
si
non
vis
parcere
,
parce
meis
!
Est
mihi
dotalis
tellus
Iovis
insula
,
Crete
Serviat
Hippolyto
regia
tota
meo
!
Flecte
,
ferox
,
animos
!
potuit
corrumpere
taurum
Mater
;
eris
tauro
saevior
ipse
truci
?
Per
Venerem
,
parcas
,
oro
,
quae
plurima
mecum
est
!
Sic
numquam
,
quae
te
spernere
possit
,
ames
;
Sic
tibi
secretis
agilis
dea
saltibus
adsit
,
Silvaque
perdendas
praebeat
alta
feras
;
Sic
faveant
Satyri
montanaque
numina
Panes
,
Et
cadat
adversa
cuspide
fossus
aper
;
Sic
tibi
dent
Nymphae
,
quamvis
odisse
puellas
Diceris
,
arentem
quae
levet
unda
sitim
!
Addimus
his
precibus
lacrimas
quoque
;
verba
precantis
Qui
legis
,
et
lacrimas
finge
videre
meas
!
Phaedra to Hippolytus Phædra of Crete wishes to Hippolytus, born of an Amazon, that health. which, if he will not give it, she herself must want. Read this at least; how can the reading of a letter hurt you? Perhaps, too, you may meet with some things in it that will be agreeable. In this manner secrets are conveyed over land and sea. Even enemies look at the letters sent from each other. Thrice I essayed to speak with you; thrice my tongue failed; thrice the words forsook me at my tongue's end. Modesty is to be joined with love, as far as is possible and convenient. Love commands me to write what I was ashamed to speak. It is not safe to slight the commands of Love; he reigns uncontrolled, and has power even over the sovereign gods. He first commanded me, when full of doubts and fears, to write; Write, said he; though hard as steel, he will yield his captive hands. Be present, Love; and, as you nourish in my bones a wasting fire, fix also in his breast a dart that may soften it towards me. Yet will I not by any crime stain my connubial vows. My fame (search into it) you will find fair and spotless. Love, the later it seizes us, rages the more. I burn inwardly; I burn, and my breast feels the hidden wound. As the tender bull is at first impatient of the yoke, and the young courser is with difficulty rendered obedient to the rein: so my unconquered heart resists the first attacks of love, and this unusual burthen sits heavy on my unpractised mind. When love is habitual from our cradle, we may learn by art to manage it; but, in our riper years, it assaults us with violence. You will taste the first offerings of my spotless fame, and the guilt will be the same in both. There is a pleasure in plucking the ripe apples from loaded branches, and gathering with an industrious hand the earliest roses. If yet my chastity, hitherto unstained, must be blotted by an unusual crime, it has happily fallen out that I burn with a noble flame. A worthless partner of my crime, something still worse than the crime itself, cannot in my case by objected. If Juno should resign her brother and husband in my favour, even Jupiter would probably be disregarded in competition with Hippolytus. And now (what you will scarcely believe) my inclinations carry me after new and unaccustomed delights. I long to assault with you the savage breed; already the Delian goddess, distinguished by the crooked bow, presides in my thoughts; your judgement in this determines also mine. I am impatient to range the woods, to pursue the stage into the toils, and cheer the nimble hounds along the rocky cliffs; or lance the trembling dart with a vigorous arm, and stretch my wearied limbs on a grassy bank. Oft I am pleased to drive the nimble chariot involved in dust, and guide the panting steeds with steady rein. Now wild, I rave as a Bacchanal when full of the inspiring god, or like those who on the Idean hill urge with redoubled strokes the sounding brass; yea more wild than those whom the Dryads half divine, and horned Satyrs, strike with terror and amazement. For, when this fury abates, I am informed of all; and silent feel that conscious love rages in my breast. Perhaps, I am urged to this love by the fate of my blood, and Venus exacts this tribute of all our race. Jupiter loved Europa (hence the first rise of our family) disguising the god under the form of a bull. Pasiphae my mother, enjoyed by a deluded bull, was in time delivered of her guilty load. Perfidious Theseus, guided by the faithful thread, escaped by my sister's help the deluding labyrinth. Lo, I too, that I might not belie the race of Minos, yield the last to the powerful laws of my blood. Surely it was our destiny; one house gained the inclinations of both. I am charmed with your shape and appearance; my sister yielded to the attractions of your father. Theseus and his son have triumphed over two sister nymphs. Raise trophies of your victory over our race. Oh how I wish that I had been wandering in the fields of Crete, when first I saw you enter Eleusis, the city of Ceres! It was then chiefly (yet even before that time you had charmed me), that the penetrating flame of love raged in my bones. White was your robe; your hair was adorned with a garland; a modest blush had overspread your comely face. That countenance which appears, to others, stern and fierce, was in Phædra's eyes noble and full of manly courage. I hate youths fond of dress and a female nicety: a manly form requires little fashioning. That sternness, those careless locks, and noble face stained with dust, are becoming. Whether you bend in the fiery steed's reluctant neck, I am delighted to see him wheeling in the narrow ring; or if with vigorous arm you dart the heavy spear, still my eyes watch the manly throw. Or do you brandish the hunting-spear of broad-pointed steel? In fine, every thing you do gives me delight. Leave your cruelty to the woods and mountains; nor let me, undeserving of such a fate, perish for your sake. What pleasure can it give to be wholly taken up in the exercises of Diana, and deny Venus the vows and engagements due to her? What admits no interval of rest cannot subsist long. Rest renews our strength, and refreshes our wearied limbs. The bow (and surely the arms of your favorite goddess may furnish an example for your imitation), if always bent, will lose its force. Cephalus was famed in the woods; by his hand were many wild beasts slain; yet he was no enemy to the delights of love. Aurora wisely forsook old age for him. Oft, under a spreading oak, were Venus and Adonis seated on the yielding grass. Meleager too burned for Areadian Atalanta: she, as a pledge of his love, enjoyed the spoils of the Calydonian boar. Let us also be now first joined to this glorious crowd. If you banish love, the forest will be turned into a desert. I will be the partner of your toils: neither the rocks hideous with dens and caves, nor the fierce aspect of the threatening boar, shall terrify me. There is an isthmus seated between two seas; the rising billows beat against either shore. Here will I meet thee at Trœzen, once the kingdom of Pittheus: already it is dearer far than my native country. The hero of Neptune's race is happily absent, and will be so long: he is now in the country of his dear Pirithous. Theseus (unless we dispute what is manifest) prefers Pirithous, both to his Phædra and to thee: nor is this the only injury he has offered us; for we have both been wronged in matters of great importance. The bones of my brother, broken with a knotted club, he scattered on the bloody ground: my sister was left a prey to wild beasts. You boast of a mother worthy of the bravery of her son, of distinguished valor among the Amazonian maids. If you enquire after her, Theseus inhumanly stabbed her; nor could so great a pledge protect the unhappy mother. Nor was she wedded, nor received with the nuptial torch. Why all this, but to exclude you from your father's throne? He has added, moreover, brothers to you by me, who have been bred up by his command rather than mine. I could wish, loveliest of men, that the child who may stand in competition with you, had died in the birth. What reverence, after all this, can be due to your father's bed, which he even shuns himself, and has deserted? Nor let vain fears alarm you, that the commerce, between a son and mother-in-law, is infamous. This old-fashioned piety, which could not subsist long, suited only the rustic age of Saturn. Jupiter has made pleasure the test of piety, and has given us an example in espousing his own sister. That tie of blood is firmest, which is strengthened by the bonds of Venus. It will be an easy matter to conceal it: the name of relative will justify our freedoms. Whoever sees our mutual embraces will praise us; I shall be thought a stepmother, tender of my husband's son. No stubborn gates are to be forced open in the night; no watchful keeper to be deceived. One house served us both; one house will still serve us. You caressed me openly, and my do so still. Here you will be in safety; and our freedoms, far from exposing us to blame, will gain us praise. Only banish delay, and hasten to consummate our mutual loves; so may the tyrant that rages in my breast, prove gentle to you. I condescend to address you by prayers and entreaties; where is now my pride? where are my wonted boasts? I had resolved to hold out long, and not easily yield to a crime, if love were capable of any steady resolution. But, subdued by its power, I turn to prayers, and with my royal hands clasp your knees. Lovers, alas! are seldom awed by a sense of decency: shame and modesty have fled. Think favorably of my fond confession, and pity my sufferings. What though my father holds the empire of the seas, and my great grandsire darts the rapid thunder? What though my grandfather, crowned with pointed rays, guides the resplendent chariot of the day? Nobility gives place to love. Have some regard, however, for my race; and, if you undervalue me, yet shew respect to mine. The famous island of Crete falls by inheritance to me: here shall my Hippolytus reign supreme. Conquer that stubborn soul. My mother could even inspire a bull with love; and will you be more cruel than a fierce bull? Hear, then, for Venus' sake, who is all-powerful with me; so may you never love a scornful fair. So may swift Diana still attend you in the remote forests, and the woods offer you the best game. So may the Satyrs and mountain Gods protect you, and the boar fall, pierced by your quivering spear. So may the kind Nymphs (though you are said to hate the softer sex) allay with grateful streams your burning thirst. Many tears accompany these prayers; think, while you read over the words of your Phædra, that you see also the tears streaming from her eyes.
5 Oenone
Paridi
Nympha
suo
Paridi
,
quamvis
suus
esse
recuset
,
Mittit
ab
Idaeis
verba
legenda
iugis
.
Perlegis
?
an
coniunx
prohibet
nova
?
perlege
non
est
Ista
Mycenaea
littera
facta
manu
!
Pegasis
Oenone
,
Phrygiis
celeberrima
silvis
,
Laesa
queror
de
te
,
si
sinis
ipse
,
meo
.
Quis
deus
opposuit
nostris
sua
numina
votis
?
Ne
tua
permaneam
,
quod
mihi
crimen
obest
?
Leniter
,
ex
merito
quidquid
patiare
,
ferendum
est
;
Quae
venit
indigno
poena
,
dolenda
venit
.
Nondum
tantus
eras
,
cum
te
contenta
marito
Edita
de
magno
flumine
nympha
fui
.
Qui
nunc
Priamides
absit
reverentia
vero
! —
Servus
eras
;
servo
nubere
nympha
tuli
!
Saepe
greges
inter
requievimus
arbore
tecti
,
Mixtaque
cum
foliis
praebuit
herba
torum
;
Saepe
super
stramen
faenoque
iacentibus
alto
Defensa
est
humili
cana
pruina
casa
.
Quis
tibi
monstrabat
saltus
venatibus
aptos
,
Et
tegeret
catulos
qua
fera
rupe
suos
?
Retia
saepe
comes
maculis
distincta
tetendi
;
Saepe
citos
egi
per
iuga
longa
canes
.
Incisae
servant
a
te
mea
nomina
fagi
,
Et
legor
Oenone
falce
notata
tua
,
Populus
est
,
memini
,
fluviali
consita
rivo
,
Est
in
qua
nostri
littera
scripta
memor
:
Et
quantum
trunci
,
tantum
mea
nomina
crescunt
.
Crescite
et
in
titulos
surgite
recta
meos
!
Popule
,
vive
,
precor
,
quae
consita
margine
ripae
Hoc
in
rugoso
cortice
carmen
habes
:
Cum
Paris
Oenone
poterit
spirare
relicta
,
Ad
fontem
Xanthi
versa
recurret
aqua
.
Xanthe
,
retro
propera
,
versaeque
recurrite
lymphae
!
Sustinet
Oenonen
deseruisse
Paris
.
Illa
dies
fatum
miserae
mihi
dixit
,
ab
illa
Pessima
mutati
coepit
amoris
hiemps
,
Qua
Venus
et
Iuno
sumptisque
decentior
armis
Venit
in
arbitrium
nuda
Minerva
tuum
.
Attoniti
micuere
sinus
,
gelidusque
cucurrit
,
Ut
mihi
narrasti
,
dura
per
ossa
tremor
.
Consului
neque
enim
modice
terrebar
anusque
Longaevosque
senes
.
constitit
esse
nefas
.
Caesa
abies
,
sectaeque
trabes
,
et
classe
parata
Caerula
ceratas
accipit
unda
rates
.
Flesti
discedens
hoc
saltim
parce
negare
!
Miscuimus
lacrimas
maestus
uterque
suas
;
Non
sic
adpositis
vincitur
vitibus
ulmus
,
Ut
tua
sunt
collo
bracchia
nexa
meo
.
A
!
quotiens
,
cum
te
vento
quererere
teneri
,
Riserunt
comites
ille
secundus
erat
!
Oscula
dimissae
quotiens
repetita
dedisti
!
Quam
vix
sustinuit
dicere
lingua
'
vale
'!
Aura
levis
rigido
pendentia
lintea
malo
Suscitat
,
et
remis
eruta
canet
aqua
.
Prosequor
infelix
oculis
abeuntia
vela
,
Qua
licet
,
et
lacrimis
umet
harena
meis
,
Utque
celer
venias
,
virides
Nereidas
oro
Scilicet
ut
venias
in
mea
damna
celer
!
Votis
ergo
meis
alii
rediture
redisti
?
Ei
mihi
,
pro
dira
paelice
blanda
fui
!
Adspicit
inmensum
moles
nativa
profundum
Mons
fuit
;
aequoreis
illa
resistit
aquis
.
Hinc
ego
vela
tuae
cognovi
prima
carinae
,
Et
mihi
per
fluctus
impetus
ire
fuit
.
Dum
moror
,
in
summa
fulsit
mihi
purpura
prora
Pertimui
;
cultus
non
erat
ille
tuus
.
Fit
propior
terrasque
cita
ratis
attigit
aura
;
Femineas
vidi
corde
tremente
genas
.
Non
satis
id
fuerat
quid
enim
furiosa
morabar
? —
Haerebat
gremio
turpis
amica
tuo
!
Tunc
vero
rupique
sinus
et
pectora
planxi
,
Et
secui
madidas
ungue
rigente
genas
,
Inplevique
sacram
querulis
ululatibus
Iden
Illuc
has
lacrimas
in
mea
saxa
tuli
.
Sic
Helene
doleat
defectaque
coniuge
ploret
,
Quaeque
prior
nobis
intulit
,
ipsa
ferat
!
Nunc
tibi
conveniunt
,
quae
te
per
aperta
sequantur
Aequora
legitimos
destituantque
viros
;
At
cum
pauper
eras
armentaque
pastor
agebas
,
Nulla
nisi
Oenone
pauperis
uxor
erat
.
Non
ego
miror
opes
,
nec
me
tua
regia
tangit
Nec
de
tot
Priami
dicar
ut
una
nurus
Non
tamen
ut
Priamus
nymphae
socer
esse
recuset
,
Aut
Hecubae
fuerim
dissimulanda
nurus
;
Dignaque
sum
fieri
rerum
matrona
potentis
;
Sunt
mihi
,
quas
possint
sceptra
decere
,
manus
.
Nec
me
,
faginea
quod
tecum
fronde
iacebam
,
Despice
;
purpureo
sum
magis
apta
toro
.
Denique
tutus
amor
meus
est
;
ibi
nulla
parantur
Bella
,
nec
ultrices
advehit
unda
rates
.
Tyndaris
infestis
fugitiva
reposcitur
armis
;
Hac
venit
in
thalamos
dote
superba
tuos
.
Quae
si
sit
Danais
reddenda
,
vel
Hectora
fratrem
,
Vel
cum
Deiphobo
Polydamanta
roga
;
Quid
gravis
Antenor
,
Priamus
quid
suadeat
ipse
,
Consule
,
quis
aetas
longa
magistra
fuit
!
Turpe
rudimentum
,
patriae
praeponere
raptam
.
Causa
pudenda
tua
est
;
iusta
vir
arma
movet
.
Nec
tibi
,
si
sapias
,
fidam
promitte
Lacaenam
,
Quae
sit
in
amplexus
tam
cito
versa
tuos
.
Ut
minor
Atrides
temerati
foedera
lecti
Clamat
et
externo
laesus
amore
dolet
,
Tu
quoque
clamabis
.
nulla
reparabilis
arte
Laesa
pudicitia
est
;
deperit
illa
semel
.
Ardet
amore
tui
?
sic
et
Menelaon
amavit
.
Nunc
iacet
in
viduo
credulus
ille
toro
.
Felix
Andromache
,
certo
bene
nupta
marito
!
Uxor
ad
exemplum
fratris
habenda
fui
;
Tu
levior
foliis
,
tum
cum
sine
pondere
suci
Mobilibus
ventis
arida
facta
volant
;
Et
minus
est
in
te
quam
summa
pondus
arista
,
Quae
levis
adsiduis
solibus
usta
riget
.
Hoc
tua
nam
recolo
quondam
germana
canebat
,
Sic
mihi
diffusis
vaticinata
comis
: '
Quid
facis
,
Oenone
?
quid
harenae
semina
mandas
?
Non
profecturis
litora
bubus
aras
.
Graia
iuvenca
venit
,
quae
te
patriamque
domumque
Perdat
!
io
prohibe
!
Graia
iuvenca
venit
!
Dum
licet
,
obscenam
ponto
demergite
puppim
!
Heu
!
quantum
Phrygii
sanguinis
illa
vehit
!'
Vox
erat
in
cursu
:
famulae
rapuere
furentem
;
At
mihi
flaventes
diriguere
comae
.
A
,
nimium
miserae
vates
mihi
vera
fuisti
Possidet
,
en
,
saltus
illa
iuvenca
meos
!
Sit
facie
quamvis
insignis
,
adultera
certe
est
;
Deseruit
socios
hospite
capta
deos
.
Illam
de
patria
Theseus
nisi
nomine
fallor
Nescio
quis
Theseus
abstulit
ante
sua
.
A
iuvene
et
cupido
credatur
reddita
virgo
?
Unde
hoc
conpererim
tam
bene
,
quaeris
?
amo
.
Vim
licet
appelles
et
culpam
nomine
veles
;
Quae
totiens
rapta
est
,
praebuit
ipsa
rapi
.
At
manet
Oenone
fallenti
casta
marito
Et
poteras
falli
legibus
ipse
tuis
!
Me
Satyri
celeres
silvis
ego
tecta
latebam
Quaesierunt
rapido
,
turba
proterva
,
pede
Cornigerumque
caput
pinu
praecinctus
acuta
Faunus
in
inmensis
,
qua
tumet
Ida
,
iugis
.
Me
fide
conspicuus
Troiae
munitor
amavit
,
Admisitque
meas
ad
sua
dona
manus
.
Quaecumque
herba
potens
ad
opem
radixque
medenti
Utilis
in
toto
nascitur
orbe
,
mea
est
.
Me
miseram
,
quod
amor
non
est
medicabilis
herbis
!
Deficior
prudens
artis
ab
arte
mea
.
Quod
nec
graminibus
tellus
fecunda
creandis
Nec
deus
,
auxilium
tu
mihi
ferre
potes
.
Et
potes
,
et
merui
dignae
miserere
puellae
!
Non
ego
cum
Danais
arma
cruenta
fero
Sed
tua
sum
tecumque
fui
puerilibus
annis
Et
tua
,
quod
superest
temporis
,
esse
precor
!
Oenone to Paris MAY I hope that you will read this? Or, over-awed by your new bride, must you treat it with neglect? Read it over, I entreat you: it is no threatening letter sent you from Mycenæ. I, the Nymph Œnone, famous in the Phrygian woods, complain of injuries received from you, whom I am still fond to call mine, if you permit. What God opposes himself to my wishes? What crime have I committed, that I no longer possess your love? Where we suffer deservedly, we ought to bear it with patience; but unmerited calamities sit heavy upon us. You were yet in low circumstances, when I, a Nymph sprung from a mighty river, was contented to receive you for my husband. Thought now the son of Priam, (excuse my freedom,) you were then no more than a slave: nor did I disdain to wed you even in that meanest rank. Oft under the shade of a tree, have we quietly rested amidst the flocks, where the ground, strewn with leaves, afforded a pleasant couch. Oft in our Iowly cottage, secure from hail and freezing winds, have we contentedly reposed on straw or a bed of hay. Who shewed you the forests best stocked with game, or pointed out the rocky caverns where the savage dam concealed her young? A constant companion of your toils, I often spread the knotted net, and cheered your sweeping hounds along the mountain's brow. The beeches still preserve my name carved by your hand; and ' Œnone,' the work of your pruning-knife, is read upon their bark; and, as the trunks increase, the letters still dilate. Grow on, and rise as testimonies of my just claim. There grows a poplar (I remember it) by the river's side, on which is carved the motto of our love. Flourish. thou poplar, fed by the bordering stream, whose furrowed bark bears this inscription: Sooner shall Xanthus hasten back to his source, than Paris be able to live without his Œnone. Xanthus, flow backward; backward flow, ye streams! Paris still lives, though faithless to his Œnone. My misfortunes began from that unhappy day, in which Venus, Juno, and Minerva (most graceful when clad in shining armor) appointed you judge of the prize of beauty. It was then that a black storm overcast my former peace. My heart failed while you repeated the fatal tale, and a cold trembling shot through all my bones. I acquainted the aged matrons and sages with my just fears; and they all agreed that some misfortune was approaching. Trees are cut down, ships are built; and the sea-green waves bear up your well-appointed fleet. When about to depart, you melted into tears; this at least you need not be ashamed to own; the present love is far more guilty than the past. You wept, and witnessed my melting grief; the mingled tears spoke our mutual sadness. You clasped your arms round my neck, more closely than the curling vines embrace the towering elm. How did your companions smile, when you complained of the unfriendly winds! They favored; but love detained you. How often at parting did you repeat the ardent kisses; while your tongue was scarcely able to utter a last farewell! A propitious gale swells your sails bellying from the rigid masts; and the sea foams after the repeated strokes of the oars. Hapless, I pursue with my eyes the lessening canvass, and water the sands with my tears. I implore the Nereids for your speedy return; a speedy return indeed to my sorrow. Have then my prayers brought you back only for the sake of another, and have I solicited the Gods in behalf of an injurious harlot? A high rock formed by nature overlooks the boundless sea. This precipice opposes itself to the beating waves. Hence I first espied your swelling sails, and hardly could forbear plunging into the deep. As I waited with impatience for your arrival, I discerned upon the deck a purple garment; this made me tremble, as I well knew that it was not your dress. The ship approached, and, urged by a favorable gale, reached the land; when with a throbbing heart I espied my hated rival, whose head even (why delayed I to leap into the sea?) rested upon your bosom. At this I tore my hair and beat my breast, and, urged by despair, scratched my face with my inhuman nails. Ida's sacred groves resounded with my mournful complaints; and hence I bore them to those caves which were conscious of our former love. So may Helen also complain, and mourn like me a faithless spouse; may she too taste of those sorrows, which on her account I now so severely feel. You are at present charmed with one who forsakes her lawful husband, and follows you over the wide sea. But when, a poor shepherd, you attended your little flock, Œnone alone made you an offer of her bed. I have no eye to your riches, nor am I moved by your stately palace. I have no ambition to be numbered among the daughters of potent Priam. Yet Priam needs not to be ashamed of owning himself the father-in-law of a Nymph; nor needs Hecuba disscmble that I am her daughter. I merit, and wish to become the consort of a powerful prince; nor would a regal sceptre ill become my hands. It is no dishonor to have lain with you upon the new-fallen leaves; I am the more fit to ascend a bed of state. Add that you are safe in my love; no wars threaten you; no revengeful ships plough the waves. Fugitive Helen is demanded back by hostile arms, and sees with pride that a war must be her dowry. Ask of Hector your brother, Polydamas, or Deiphobus, whether she ought to be restored. Consult with sage Antenor, and your aged sire Priam, whom years and long experience have taught wisdom. It is scandalous to prefer a mistress to your native country. You engage in a shameful cause: her husband raises a just war against you. Nor flatter yourself that this Lacedæmonian will long prove constant, she who was so easily enticed to your embraces. As young Atrides complains of his dishonored bed, and mourns the injury done to him by a foreign love; so shall you lament in your turn. Chastity, when once sullied, can never be recovered; one false step ruins it for ever. She now burns for you. Thus she once loved Menelaus. He, too easy of belief, lies now in a forlorn bed. Happy Andromache, the worthy consort of a faithful spouse! My fidelity merited a like return from you. You are lighter than withered leaves driven by the inconstant winds, or than stalks of wheat parched by the continual heat of the sun. Heretofore your sister (now I recollect) forewarned me of all, and, with her hair disheveled, thus prophesied my approaching fate: What is it you hope for, Œnone? Why bury you thus your seed in the sand? Why plough you up the shore with unprofitable steers? The Grecian heifer comes, fatal to you, to Troy, and our ancient house. She comes. Forbid it Heaven; and now, while it may be done, overwhelm the guilty ship. Alas! how is she fraught with Phrygian blood! She said: her servants carried her off full of the God. My hair was erect with fear. Ah, you too truly foretold my wretched fate! This heifer now feeds in my lawns. Though fair to look upon, she is yet a prostitute, whom strangers have easily enticed from her native home. Thus Theseus (if I do not mistake the name), one Theseus, formerly made her a prize. It is likely, no doubt, that she was restored safe and untouched by a youth passionate and fond. If you wonder how I obtained a knowlege of this story, I answer, that I love. You may call it violence, and think to hide her fault by a specious name: it is evident that one who has been carried off so often, must have contrived the rape. But Œnone continues faithful to a perjured spouse; and yet I might have returned the injury in kind. I was pursued by the Satyrs, a lustful crew, and, to escape their violence, concealed myself in the woods. Fauns too, adorned with garlands of pine-leaves, traced me over Ida's swelling summits. Phœbus, the guardian god of Troy, obtained at last, by violence, what others had struggled for in vain. I tore his hair, and left on his face the marks of my rage. Yet I desired no sordid recompence of jewels or gold, nor would meanly prostitute my free charms for hire. He thought me worthy to be intrusted with the healing art, and rewarded me with the same knowlege for which he is himself so famed. My skill reaches to every herb and healing root which the fertile carth produces. But, unhappy that I am! my art avails not to my own cure; nor are herbs sufficient to heal the wounds of love. Even Phœbus, the founder of our art, fed (we are told) the herds of Admetus; nor could he withstand the pointed flames. Not heaven, nor earth with all its bounteous store, can ease my pain; it is from you alone that I expect relief. Paris can relieve; and I have deserved it. Pity a maid who merits and loves you. My alliance will bring upon you no dangerous bloody wars. I am yours, and with you innocently passed my infant years: Heaven grant that what yet remains of life may be also spent with you!
6 Hypsipyle Iasoni Lemnias Hypsipyle,
Bacchi
genus
,
Aesone
nato
Dicit
,
et
in
verbis
pars
quta
mentis
erat
:
Litora
Thessaliae
reduci
tetigisse
carina
Diceris
auratae
vellere
dives
ovis
.
Gratulor
incolumi
,
quantum
sinis
;
hoc
tamen
ipsum
Debueram
scripto
certior
esse
tuo
.
Nam
ne
pacta
tibi
praeter
mea
regna
redires
,
Cum
cuperes
,
ventos
non
habuisse
potes
;
Quamlibet
adverso
signatur
epistula
vento
.
Hypsipyle
missa
digna
salute
fui
.
Cur
mihi
fama
prior
de
te
quam
littera
venit
:
Isse
sacros
Marti
sub
iuga
panda
boves
,
Seminibus
iactis
segetes
adolesse
virorum
Inque
necem
dextra
non
eguisse
tua
,
Pervigilem
spolium
pecudis
servasse
draconem
,
Rapta
tamen
forti
vellera
fulva
manu
?
O
ego
,
si
possem
timide
credentibus
ista
'
Ipse
mihi
scripsit
'
dicere
,
quanta
forem
!
Quid
queror
officium
lenti
cessasse
mariti
?
Obsequium
,
maneo
si
tua
,
grande
tuli
!
Barbara
narratur
venisse
venefica
tecum
,
In
mihi
promissi
parte
recepta
tori
.
Credula
res
amor
est
;
utinam
temeraria
dicar
Criminibus
falsis
insimulasse
virum
!
Nuper
ab
Haemoniis
hospes
mihi
Thessalus
oris
Venit
et
,
ut
tactum
vix
bene
limen
erat
, '
Aesonides
,'
dixi
, '
quid
agit
meus
?'
ille
pudore
Haesit
in
opposita
lumina
fixus
humo
.
Protinus
exilui
tunicisque
a
pectore
ruptis
'
Vivit
?
an
,'
exclamo
, '
me
quoque
fata
vocant
?' '
Vivit
,'
ait
.
timidum
quod
amat
;
iurare
coegi
.
Vix
mihi
teste
deo
credita
vita
tua
est
.
Utque
animus
rediit
,
tua
facta
requirere
coepi
.
Narrat
aenipedes
Martis
arasse
boves
,
Vipereos
dentes
in
humum
pro
semine
iactos
,
Et
subito
natos
arma
tulisse
viros
Terrigenas
populos
civili
Marte
peremptos
Inplesse
aetatis
fata
diurna
suae
.
Devictus
serpens
.
iterum
,
si
vivat
Iason
,
Quaerimus
;
alternant
spesque
timorque
vicem
.
Singula
dum
narrat
,
studio
cursuque
loquendi
Detegit
ingenio
vulnera
nostra
suo
.
Heu
!
ubi
pacta
fides
?
ubi
conubialia
iura
Faxque
sub
arsuros
dignior
ire
rogos
?
Non
ego
sum
furto
tibi
cognita
;
pronuba
Iuno
Adfuit
et
sertis
tempora
vinctus
Hymen
.
At
mihi
nec
Iuno
,
nec
Hymen
,
sed
tristis
Erinys
Praetulit
infaustas
sanguinolenta
faces
.
Quid
mihi
cum
Minyis
,
quid
cum
Dodonide
pinu
?
Quid
tibi
cum
patria
,
navita
Tiphy
,
mea
?
Non
erat
hic
aries
villo
spectabilis
aureo
,
Nec
senis
Aeetae
regia
Lemnos
erat
.
Certa
fui
primo
(
sed
me
mala
fata
trahebant
)
Hospita
feminea
pellere
castra
manu
;
Lemniadesque
viros
,
nimium
quoque
,
vincere
norunt
.
Milite
tam
forti
terra
tuenda
fuit
!
Urbe
virum
iuvi
,
tectoque
animoque
recepi
!
Hic
tibi
bisque
aestas
bisque
cucurrit
hiemps
.
Tertia
messis
erat
,
cum
tu
dare
vela
coactus
Inplesti
lacrimis
talia
verba
suis
: '
Abstrahor
,
Hypsipyle
;
sed
dent
modo
fata
recursus
,
Vir
tuus
hinc
abeo
,
vir
tibi
semper
ero
.
Quod
tamen
e
nobis
gravida
celatur
in
alvo
,
Vivat
,
et
eiusdem
simus
uterque
parens
!'
Hactenus
,
et
lacrimis
in
falsa
cadentibus
ora
Cetera
te
memini
non
potuisse
loqui
.
Ultimus
e
sociis
sacram
conscendis
in
Argo
.
Illa
volat
;
ventus
concava
vela
tenet
;
Caerula
propulsae
subducitur
unda
carinae
;
Terra
tibi
,
nobis
adspiciuntur
aquae
.
In
latus
omne
patens
turris
circumspicit
undas
;
Huc
feror
,
et
lacrimis
osque
sinusque
madent
.
Per
lacrimas
specto
,
cupidaeque
faventia
menti
Longius
adsueto
lumina
nostra
vident
.
Adde
preces
castas
inmixtaque
vota
timori
Nunc
quoque
te
salvo
persoluenda
mihi
.
Vota
ego
persolvam
?
votis
Medea
fruetur
!
Cor
dolet
,
atque
ira
mixtus
abundat
amor
.
Dona
feram
templis
,
vivum
quod
Iasona
perdo
?
Hostia
pro
damnis
concidat
icta
meis
?
Non
equidem
secura
fui
semperque
verebar
,
Ne
pater
Argolica
sumeret
urbe
nurum
.
Argolidas
timui
nocuit
mihi
barbara
paelex
!
Non
expectata
vulnus
ab
hoste
tuli
.
Nec
facie
meritisque
placet
,
sed
carmina
novit
Diraque
cantata
pabula
falce
metit
.
Illa
reluctantem
cursu
deducere
lunam
Nititur
et
tenebris
abdere
solis
equos
;
Illa
refrenat
aquas
obliquaque
flumina
sistit
;
Illa
loco
silvas
vivaque
saxa
movet
.
Per
tumulos
errat
passis
discincta
capillis
Certaque
de
tepidis
colligit
ossa
rogis
.
Devovet
absentis
simulacraque
cerea
figit
,
Et
miserum
tenuis
in
iecur
urget
acus
Et
quae
nescierim
melius
.
male
quaeritur
herbis
Moribus
et
forma
conciliandus
amor
.
Hanc
potes
amplecti
thalamoque
relictus
in
uno
Inpavidus
somno
nocte
silente
frui
?
Scilicet
ut
tauros
,
ita
te
iuga
ferre
coegit
Quaque
feros
anguis
,
te
quoque
mulcet
ope
.
Adde
,
quod
adscribi
factis
procerumque
tuisque
Sese
avet
,
et
titulo
coniugis
uxor
obest
.
Atque
aliquis
Peliae
de
partibus
acta
venenis
Inputat
et
populum
,
qui
sibi
credat
,
habet
: '
Non
haec
Aesonides
,
sed
Phasias
Aeetine
Aurea
Phrixeae
terga
revellit
ovis
.'
Non
probat
Alcimede
mater
tua
consule
matrem
Non
pater
,
a
gelido
cui
venit
axe
nurus
.
Illa
sibi
a
Tanai
Scythiaeque
paludibus
udae
Quaerat
et
a
ripa
Phasidos
usque
virum
!
Mobilis
Aesonide
vernaque
incertior
aura
,
Cur
tua
polliciti
pondere
verba
carent
?
Vir
meus
hinc
ieras
:
cur
non
meus
inde
redisti
?
Sim
reducis
coniunx
,
sicut
euntis
eram
!
Si
te
nobilitas
generosaque
nomina
tangunt
En
,
ego
Minoo
nata
Thoante
feror
!
Bacchus
avus
;
Bacchi
coniunx
redimita
corona
Praeradiat
stellis
signa
minora
suis
.
Dos
tibi
Lemnos
erit
,
terra
ingeniosa
colenti
;
Me
quoque
dotalis
inter
habere
potes
.
Nunc
etiam
peperi
;
gratare
ambobus
,
Iason
!
Dulce
mihi
gravidae
fecerat
auctor
onus
.
Felix
in
numero
quoque
sum
prolemque
gemellam
,
Pignora
Lucina
bina
favente
dedi
.
Si
quaeris
,
cui
sint
similes
,
cognosceris
illis
.
Fallere
non
norunt
;
cetera
patris
habent
.
Legatos
quos
paene
dedi
pro
matre
ferendos
;
Sed
tenuit
coeptas
saeva
noverca
vias
.
Medeam
timui
:
plus
est
Medea
noverca
;
Medeae
faciunt
ad
scelus
omne
manus
.
Spargere
quae
fratris
potuit
lacerata
per
agros
Corpora
,
pignoribus
parceret
illa
meis
?
Hanc
tamen
o
demens
Colchisque
ablate
venenis
,
Diceris
Hypsipyles
praeposuisse
toro
.
Turpiter
illa
virum
cognovit
adultera
virgo
;
Me
tibi
teque
mihi
taeda
pudica
dedit
.
Prodidit
illa
patrem
;
rapui
de
clade
Thoanta
.
Deseruit
Colchos
;
me
mea
Lemnos
habet
.
Quid
refert
,
scelerata
piam
si
vincet
et
ipso
Crimine
dotata
est
emeruitque
virum
?
Lemniadum
facinus
culpo
,
non
miror
,
Iason
;
Quamlibet
ignavis
iste
dat
arma
dolor
.
Dic
age
,
si
ventis
,
ut
oportuit
,
actus
iniquis
Intrasses
portus
tuque
comesque
meos
,
Obviaque
exissem
fetu
comitante
gemello
Hiscere
nempe
tibi
terra
roganda
fuit
! —
Quo
vultu
natos
,
quo
me
,
scelerate
,
videres
?
Perfidiae
pretio
qua
nece
dignus
eras
?
Ipse
quidem
per
me
tutus
sospesque
fuisses
Non
quia
tu
dignus
,
sed
quia
mitis
ego
.
Paelicis
ipsa
meos
inplessem
sanguine
vultus
,
Quosque
veneficiis
abstulit
illa
suis
!
Medeae
Medea
forem
!
quodsi
quid
ab
alto
Iustus
adest
votis
Iuppiter
ille
meis
,
Quod
gemit
Hypsipyle
,
lecti
quoque
subnuba
nostri
Maereat
et
leges
sentiat
ipsa
suas
;
Utque
ego
destituor
coniunx
materque
duorum
,
A
totidem
natis
orba
sit
illa
viro
!
Nec
male
parta
diu
teneat
peiusque
relinquat
Exulet
et
toto
quaerat
in
orbe
fugam
!
Quam
fratri
germana
fuit
miseroque
parenti
Filia
,
tam
natis
,
tam
sit
acerba
viro
!
Cum
mare
,
cum
terras
consumpserit
,
aera
temptet
;
Erret
inops
,
exspes
,
caede
cruenta
sua
!
Haec
ego
,
coniugio
fraudata
Thoantias
oro
.
Vivite
,
devoto
nuptaque
virque
toro
!
Hypsipyle to Jason You are said to have reached the Thessalian coasts in your returning bark, enriched with the prize of the golden fleece. I congratulate your safety, as far as I am permitted: but I ought to have known this by a letter from yourself. For, though unfavorable winds might have hindered you from landing in my kingdom, had you even desired it, yet a letter might have been sealed and sent: surely Hypsipyle deserved this testimony of your love. Why as fame the first messenger of your success? Why did I first hear from report, that the bulls sacred to the stern god of war had submitted to the yoke,—that harvests of armed men sprang from the sowing of the dragon's teeth, and did not want your right hand to cut them off,—that the yellow fleecy spoils, though guarded by a vigilant dragon, were yet a prey to your valiant arm? If I could assure those who believe with diffidence, that all this was confirmed to me by a letter from yourself, how great would be my happiness! Why do I complain that my husband by so long an absence has failed in the respect he owes me? If your heart continues mine, I have still all I ask. You are said to have brought with you a barbarian enchantress, and admitted her to a share of that bed which you had promised to me. Love is credulous and full of fears. I wish it may be found that I have rashly charged my husband with false crimes. A stranger lately arrived here from Thessaly: scarcely had he touched the threshold, when I enquired how my Jason was. He, overcome with shame, stood silent, and fixed his eyes upon the ground. Impatient, I ran up to him; and in wild distraction tearing his coat from his breast, Tell me, I cried, does he still live, or has Fate determined also to end my days? He lives, said he. I forced the intimidated stranger to confirm the statement by an oath, and could scarcely be convinced of your existence even by the testimony of a God. After recovering from my surprise, I began to enquire of your exploits. He tells me how the brazen-footed bulls of Mars turned up the furrowed plain; that the teeth of the dragon were thrown into the earth for seed, and a sudden crop of armed men sprang up; and that these earth-born heroes, cut off by civil broils, had filled up the short span of life allotted to them by Fate. Upon hearing of the serpent overcome. I again asked if Jason still lived; my heart beating alternately with hope and fear. While he proceeds in recounting one thing after another, in the current of his discourse, he at last discovers the wounds made in your heart. Alas! where is now your promised faith? where are now the nuptial ties? and Hymen's torch, fitter to have lighted up my funeral pile? I was not known to you by stealth. Juno was witness to our vows; and Hymen also, having his temples bound with garlands. But neither Juno nor Hymen, but cruel Erinnys, bore in procession the inauspicious torch. What concern had I with the Argonauts? what with the ship of Pallas? Why did your pilot Tiphys think of touching at this coast? Here was no ram to entice you by his golden spoils; nor had Æetes his royal palace at Lemnos. I had determined (but my unhappy destiny overruled me) to expel the strangers with a female band. The Lemnian ladies have too glaringly shown themselves an overmatch for men. My life and peace ought to have been defended by so trusty a band. I allowed Jason to enter my city, and admitted him into my house and heart. Here two summers and two winters rolled away. It was now the third harvest, when, forced to unfold the spreading sails, with tears in your eyes you uttered these soft and tender words. "Alas! I am torn from you, Hypsipyle; but, if Heaven grant me a safe return, as I depart thine, so will I ever remain thine, Let the pledge of our mutual love, that you now carry about in your teeming womb, be fondly cherished, that it may prove the joy and blessing of its parents." Thus far you spoke, while, the tears trickling down you deceitful checks, grief deprived you of the power to proceed. You were the last to ascend the sacred ship: she flies, and a favorable wind fills the swelling sails. The sea-green waves recede from before the stemming prow; your eyes are fixed upon the shore, while mine follow you through the deep. An adjacent tower opens a prospect on all sides towards the sea. Thither I bend my course, my face and bosom bedewed with tears. I view you through my tears; and my eyes, favoring the eagerness of my mind, carry forward my sight beyond its usual bounds. I address Heaven with chaste prayers and timorous vows,—vows to the performed, now that you are safe. Must I then pay vows for the triumphs of Medea? My heart yields to grief, and my love flames into rage. Shall I carry offerings to the temples, because Jason lives, and lives for another? Are victims to be slain in return for my disappointments? I was indeed always diffident, and dreaded that your father might choose a daughter-in-law from some city of Greece. I feared the Greeks, but suffer from a barbarian harlot, and am wounded by an unexpected hand. She has not charmed you by her beauty, or won you by her accomplishments. She holds you by her enchantments, and cuts the baneful herbs with a magic sickle. She endeavours to charm the reluctant moon from her orb, and involve the chariot of the sun in darkness. She bridles the waves, stops the winding currents, and removes from their seats the woods and banging rocks. She wanders through the tombs with her hair disheveled, and collects bones from the yet smoking pyres. Her witchcraft affects even the absent; she moulds the images of wax, and gores the wretched liver with torturing needles. Add a multiplicity of other magic artifices, which I am better unacquainted with. Love should be gained by merit and beauty, not by berbs and philtres. How can you receive her into your embraces, or quietly trust yourself in her treacherous arms? As formerly the bulls, so has she forced you also to submit to the yoke, and bound you with the same fetters wherewith she before chained the dragons. Add that she boasts of having contributed to your success, and that of your companions; and the fame of the wife eclipses that of the husband. Those of the Pelian faction ascribe all to sorcery; and the malicious world is too ready to believe them. "It was not Jason, ( say they,) but Medea of Colchis, that bore away the rich fleece of the consecrated ram." If you will be governed by the advice of a mother, she disapproves your choice; nor does your father relish a bride from the frozen zone. Let her seek a husband from the borders of the Tanais, the marshy fens of Scythia, or her native banks of Phasis. Inconstant Jason, More unstable than the vernal breeze; why are your words without their promised weight? You departed my husband, and return wedded to another. But, as I was your wife when we parted, let me be still the same since your return. If nobility and great names move you, I boast a descent from Thoas, the grandson of Minos. I have Bacchus for my grandfather; whose spouse, adorned with a radiant crown, eclipses the inferior lights by her more refulgent rays. Lemnos is my dowry, a fertile land, that crowns the labor of the cultivator. And I myself am not to be overlooked amidst so many noble gifts. I am also a mother, and bore the load with pleasure for the father's sake: let us both rejoice in this auspicious pledge. I am happy too in the number, and have brought forth twins, a double pledge of Lucina's favor. If you enquire concerning their likeness, you may be known by them: they are indeed strangers to treachery, but, in every thing else, the express image of their father. These had been sent envoys for their mother; but a cruel stepdame prevented the intended journey. I dreaded Medea; Medea is more cruel than even cruelty itself. Medea has hands ready for every kind of wickedness. Would she, who could scatter the dismembered joints of her own brother, scruple to imbue her hands in the blood of these innocent pledges of my love? And yet, O deluded man, intoxicated with the philtres of Colchis! this is the woman for whom you are said to have deserted Hypsipyle. She basely associated with the husband of another; we were chastely united by the hymeneal torch. She betrayed her father; I saved mine from destruction. She deserted her native land; I still remain at Lemnos. But what avails it, if her wickedness triumphs over my piety, and she gains the heart of her husband by her very crimes? Far from admiring the cruelty of the Lemnian ladies, I blame it, Jason; although indignation and resentment stirred them up to arms. Tell me, if, driven by inhospitable winds, you and your companion had entered my ports, and I, accompanied by my twin-offspring, had gone out to welcome you, would you not have wished the earth to open and swallow you up? With what face could you have beheld the harmless babes, and me your faithful wife? What punishment could have been inflicted upon you, equal to your perfidy and ingratitude? You would indeed have been safe and unhurt; not because you deserved it, but in consequence of my softness and good-nature. But I would have satiated my eyes with the blood of that harlot; and you, the slave of her sorceries, should have beheld the tragedy. I would have been Medea to Medea. If you, O just Jupiter, hear from heaven the prayers of injured love, may this base intruder into my chaste bed groan under the same pangs which I now feel, and herself experience that treachery of which she has set the first example; and, as I, a wife and the mother of twins, am left destitute and forlorn, may she also be ravished from her husband and children: may she soon lose and shamefully abandon these ill-gotten trophies; exiled, and wandering a fugitive over all the earth! What sister she was to her brother, what daughter to her parent, such a mother and wife may she prove to her children and husband! When she has traversed the earth and sea, let her attempt the air, till, destitute and hopeless, she end a miserable life by her own hand. These are the prayers of the disappointed and injured daughter of Thoas. May you live an execrable pair, the partners of a devoted bed!
7
Dido
Aeneae
Accipe
, Dardanide,
moriturae
carmen
Elissae;
Quae
legis
,
a
nobis
ultima
verba
legis
:
Sic
ubi
fata
vocant
,
udis
abiectus
in
herbis
Ad
vada
Maeandri
concinit
albus
olor
.
Nec
quia
te
nostra
sperem
prece
posse
moveri
,
Adloquor
adverso
movimus
ista
deo
;
Sed
merita
et
famam
corpusque
animumque
pudicum
Cum
male
perdiderim
,
perdere
verba
leve
est
.
Certus
es
ire
tamen
miseramque
relinquere
Dido
,
Atque
idem
venti
vela
fidemque
ferent
?
Certus
es
,
Aenea
,
cum
foedere
solvere
naves
,
Quaeque
ubi
sint
nescis
,
Itala
regna
sequi
?
Nec
nova
Carthago
,
nec
te
crescentia
tangunt
Moenia
nec
sceptro
tradita
summa
tuo
?
Facta
fugis
,
facienda
petis
;
quaerenda
per
orbem
Altera
,
quaesita
est
altera
terra
tibi
.
Ut
terram
invenias
,
quis
eam
tibi
tradet
habendam
?
Quis
sua
non
notis
arva
tenenda
dabit
?
Scilicet
alter
amor
tibi
restat
et
altera
Dido
;
Quamque
iterum
fallas
altera
danda
fides
.
Quando
erit
,
ut
condas
instar
Carthaginis
urbem
Et
videas
populos
altus
ab
arce
tuos
?
Omnia
ut
eveniant
,
nec
te
tua
vota
morentur
,
Unde
tibi
,
quae
te
sic
amet
,
uxor
erit
?
Uror
,
ut
inducto
ceratae
sulpure
taedae
,
Ut
pia
fumosis
addita
tura
focis
.
Aeneas
oculis
semper
vigilantis
inhaeret
;
Aenean
animo
noxque
quiesque
refert
.
Ille
quidem
male
gratus
et
ad
mea
munera
surdus
,
Et
quo
,
si
non
sim
stulta
,
carere
velim
;
Non
tamen
Aenean
,
quamvis
male
cogitat
,
odi
,
Sed
queror
infidum
questaque
peius
amo
.
Parce
,
Venus
,
nurui
,
durumque
amplectere
fratrem
,
Frater
Amor
,
castris
militet
ille
tuis
!
Aut
ego
,
quae
coepi
, (
neque
enim
dedignor
)
amorem
,
Materiam
curae
praebeat
ille
meae
!
Fallor
,
et
ista
mihi
falso
iactatur
imago
;
Matris
ab
ingenio
dissidet
ille
suae
.
Te
lapis
et
montes
innataque
rupibus
altis
Robora
,
te
saevae
progenuere
ferae
,
Aut
mare
,
quale
vides
agitari
nunc
quoque
ventis
,
Qua
tamen
adversis
fluctibus
ire
paras
.
Quo
fugis
?
obstat
hiemps
.
hiemis
mihi
gratia
prosit
!
Adspice
,
ut
eversas
concitet
Eurus
aquas
!
Quod
tibi
malueram
,
sine
me
debere
procellis
;
Iustior
est
animo
ventus
et
unda
tuo
.
Non
ego
sum
tanti
quid
non
censeris
inique
? —
Ut
pereas
,
dum
me
per
freta
longa
fugis
.
Exerces
pretiosa
odia
et
constantia
magno
,
Si
,
dum
me
careas
,
est
tibi
vile
mori
.
Iam
venti
ponent
,
strataque
aequaliter
unda
Caeruleis
Triton
per
mare
curret
equis
.
Tu
quoque
cum
ventis
utinam
mutabilis
esses
!
Et
,
nisi
duritia
robora
vincis
,
eris
.
Quid
,
quasi
nescires
,
insana
quid
aequora
possint
,
Expertae
totiens
tam
male
credis
aquae
?
Ut
,
pelago
suadente
viam
,
retinacula
solvas
,
Multa
tamen
latus
tristia
pontus
habet
.
Nec
violasse
fidem
temptantibus
aequora
prodest
;
Perfidiae
poenas
exigit
ille
locus
,
Praecipue
cum
laesus
amor
,
quia
mater
Amorum
Nuda
Cytheriacis
edita
fertur
aquis
.
Perdita
ne
perdam
,
timeo
,
noceamve
nocenti
,
Neu
bibat
aequoreas
naufragus
hostis
aquas
.
Vive
,
precor
!
sic
te
melius
quam
funere
perdam
.
Tu
potius
leti
causa
ferere
mei
.
Finge
,
age
,
te
rapido
nullum
sit
in
omine
pondus
! —
Turbine
deprendi
;
quid
tibi
mentis
erit
?
Protinus
occurrent
falsae
periuria
linguae
,
Et
Phrygia
Dido
fraude
coacta
mori
;
Coniugis
ante
oculos
deceptae
stabit
imago
Tristis
et
effusis
sanguinolenta
comis
.
Quid
tanti
est
ut
tum
'
merui
!
concedite
!'
dicas
,
Quaeque
cadent
,
in
te
fulmina
missa
putes
?
Da
breve
saevitiae
spatium
pelagique
tuaeque
;
Grande
morae
pretium
tuta
futura
via
est
.
Haec
minus
ut
cures
,
puero
parcatur
Iulo
!
Te
satis
est
titulum
mortis
habere
meae
.
Quid
puer
Ascanius
,
quid
di
meruere
Penates
?
Ignibus
ereptos
obruet
unda
deos
?
Sed
neque
fers
tecum
,
nec
,
quae
mihi
,
perfide
,
iactas
,
Presserunt
umeros
sacra
paterque
tuos
.
Omnia
mentiris
,
neque
enim
tua
fallere
lingua
Incipit
a
nobis
,
primaque
plector
ego
.
Si
quaeras
,
ubi
sit
formosi
mater
Iuli
Occidit
a
duro
sola
relicta
viro
!
Haec
mihi
narraras
sat
me
monuere
!
merentem
Ure
;
minor
culpa
poena
futura
mea
est
.
Nec
mihi
mens
dubia
est
,
quin
te
tua
numina
damnent
.
Per
mare
,
per
terras
septima
iactat
hiemps
.
Fluctibus
eiectum
tuta
statione
recepi
Vixque
bene
audito
nomine
regna
dedi
.
His
tamen
officiis
utinam
contenta
fuissem
,
Et
mihi
concubitus
fama
sepulta
foret
!
Illa
dies
nocuit
,
qua
nos
declive
sub
antrum
Caeruleus
subitis
conpulit
imber
aquis
.
Audieram
vocem
;
nymphas
ululasse
putavi
Eumenides
fati
signa
dedere
mei
!
Exige
,
laese
pudor
,
poenas
!
violate
Sychaei
Ad
quas
,
me
miseram
,
plena
pudoris
eo
.
Est
mihi
marmorea
sacratus
in
aede
Sychaeus
(
Oppositae
frondes
velleraque
alba
tegunt
).
Hinc
ego
me
sensi
noto
quater
ore
citari
;
Ipse
sono
tenui
dixit
'
Elissa
,
veni
!'
Nulla
mora
est
,
venio
,
venio
tibi
debita
coniunx
;
Sum
tamen
admissi
tarda
pudore
mei
.
Da
veniam
culpae
!
decepit
idoneus
auctor
;
Invidiam
noxae
detrahit
ille
meae
.
Diva
parens
seniorque
pater
,
pia
sarcina
nati
,
Spem
mihi
mansuri
rite
dedere
viri
.
Si
fuit
errandum
,
causas
habet
error
honestas
;
Adde
fidem
,
nulla
parte
pigendus
erit
.
Durat
in
extremum
vitaeque
novissima
nostrae
Prosequitur
fati
,
qui
fuit
ante
,
tenor
.
Occidit
internas
coniunx
mactatus
ad
aras
,
Et
sceleris
tanti
praemia
frater
habet
;
Exul
agor
cineresque
viri
patriamque
relinquo
,
Et
feror
in
dubias
hoste
sequente
vias
.
Adplicor
his
oris
fratrique
elapsa
fretoque
Quod
tibi
donavi
,
perfide
,
litus
emo
.
Urbem
constitui
lateque
patentia
fixi
Moenia
finitimis
invidiosa
locis
.
Bella
tument
;
bellis
peregrina
et
femina
temptor
,
Vixque
rudis
portas
urbis
et
arma
paro
.
Mille
procis
placui
,
qui
me
coiere
querentes
Nescio
quem
thalamis
praeposuisse
suis
.
Quid
dubitas
vinctam
Gaetulo
tradere
Iarbae
?
Praebuerim
sceleri
bracchia
nostra
tuo
.
Est
etiam
frater
,
cuius
manus
inpia
poscit
Respergi
nostro
,
sparsa
cruore
viri
.
Pone
deos
et
quae
tangendo
sacra
profanas
!
Non
bene
caelestis
inpia
dextra
colit
.
Si
tu
cultor
eras
elapsis
igne
futurus
,
Paenitet
elapsos
ignibus
esse
deos
.
Forsitan
et
gravidam
Dido
,
scelerate
,
relinquas
,
Parsque
tui
lateat
corpore
clausa
meo
.
Accedet
fatis
matris
miserabilis
infans
,
Et
nondum
nato
funeris
auctor
eris
,
Cumque
parente
sua
frater
morietur
Iuli
,
Poenaque
conexos
auferet
una
duos
. '
Sed
iubet
ire
deus
.'
vellem
,
vetuisset
adire
,
Punica
nec
Teucris
pressa
fuisset
humus
!
Hoc
duce
nempe
deo
ventis
agitaris
iniquis
Et
teris
in
rabido
tempora
longa
freto
?
Pergama
vix
tanto
tibi
erant
repetenda
labore
,
Hectore
si
vivo
quanta
fuere
forent
.
Non
patrium
Simoenta
petis
,
sed
Thybridis
undas
Nempe
ut
pervenias
,
quo
cupis
,
hospes
eris
;
Utque
latet
vitatque
tuas
abstrusa
carinas
,
Vix
tibi
continget
terra
petita
seni
.
Hos
potius
populos
in
dotem
,
ambage
remissa
,
Accipe
et
advectas
Pygmalionis
opes
.
Ilion
in
Tyriam
transfer
felicius
urbem
Resque
loco
regis
sceptraque
sacra
tene
!
Si
tibi
mens
avida
est
belli
,
si
quaerit
Iulus
,
Unde
suo
partus
Marte
triumphus
eat
,
Quem
superet
,
nequid
desit
,
praebebimus
hostem
;
Hic
pacis
leges
,
hic
locus
arma
capit
.
Tu
modo
,
per
matrem
fraternaque
tela
,
sagittas
,
Perque
fugae
comites
,
Dardana
sacra
,
deos
Sic
superent
,
quoscumque
tua
de
gente
reportat
Mars
ferus
,
et
damni
sit
modus
ille
tui
,
Ascaniusque
suos
feliciter
inpleat
annos
,
Et
senis
Anchisae
molliter
ossa
cubent
! —
Parce
,
precor
,
domui
,
quae
se
tibi
tradit
habendam
!
Quod
crimen
dicis
praeter
amasse
meum
?
Non
ego
sum
Pthias
magnisque
oriunda
Mycenis
,
Nec
steterunt
in
te
virque
paterque
meus
.
Si
pudet
uxoris
,
non
nupta
,
sed
hospita
dicar
;
Dum
tua
sit
,
Dido
quidlibet
esse
feret
.
Nota
mihi
freta
sunt
Afrum
plangentia
litus
;
Temporibus
certis
dantque
negantque
viam
.
Cum
dabit
aura
viam
,
praebebis
carbasa
ventis
;
Nunc
levis
eiectam
continet
alga
ratem
.
Tempus
ut
observem
,
manda
mihi
;
certius
ibis
,
Nec
te
,
si
cupies
,
ipsa
manere
sinam
.
Et
socii
requiem
poscunt
,
laniataque
classis
Postulat
exiguas
semirefecta
moras
;
Pro
meritis
et
siqua
tibi
debebimus
ultra
,
Pro
spe
coniugii
tempora
parva
peto
Dum
freta
mitescunt
et
amor
,
dum
tempore
et
usu
Fortiter
edisco
tristia
posse
pati
.
Si
minus
,
est
animus
nobis
effundere
vitam
;
In
me
crudelis
non
potes
esse
diu
.
Adspicias
utinam
,
quae
sit
scribentis
imago
!
Scribimus
,
et
gremio
Troicus
ensis
adest
,
Perque
genas
lacrimae
strictum
labuntur
in
ensem
,
Qui
iam
pro
lacrimis
sanguine
tinctus
erit
.
Quam
bene
conveniunt
fato
tua
munera
nostro
!
Instruis
inpensa
nostra
sepulcra
brevi
.
Nec
mea
nunc
primum
feriuntur
pectora
telo
;
Ille
locus
saevi
vulnus
amoris
habet
.
Anna
soror
,
soror
Anna
,
meae
male
conscia
culpae
,
Iam
dabis
in
cineres
ultima
dona
meos
.
Nec
consumpta
rogis
inscribar
Elissa
Sychaei
,
Hoc
tantum
in
tumuli
marmore
carmen
erit
:
Praebuit
Aeneas
et
causam
mortis
et
ensem
;
Ipsa
sua
Dido
concidit
usa
manu
.
Dido to Aeneas THUS the silver swan, when death approaches, bemoans her fate among the willows on the banks of Mæander. Nor do I address you, from a hope of being able to move you by my prayers: that, the Gods, averse to my request, forbid. But, having lost merit and fame, my honor and myself, why should I fear to lose a few dying words? You are then resolved to depart, and abandon unhappy Dido; the same winds will bear away your promises and sails. You are, I say, O Æneas, resolved to weigh at once your anchor and your vows, and go in quest of Italy, a land to which you are wholly a stranger. Neither my new-built Carthage and her rising walls have power to detain you; nor the supreme rule, which you are in vain urged to accept. You fly a city already built, and seek one that is yet to be raised; the one realm is still to be conquered, the other is subject to your command. Even if you had disembarked on the wished-for coast, how can the natives be induced to resignit? What people will grant the property of their lands to strangers? You must first be so fortunate as to find another love, another affectionate, constant Dido: you must again bind yourself by vows which you cannot keep. Yet when will you build a city flourishing like Carthage, and from your lofty towers survey the crowds below? But were all events to meet your desires, so that not even a wish remained unanswered, where will you find a wife to love like me? I burn like waxen torches smeared with sulphur, or pious incense cast into the smoking censer. Æneas is ever before my wakeful eyes; the image of Æneas baunts me both by night and day. He indeed is ungrateful, and regardless of all my good offices; and I am a fond fool, not to tear him instantly from my heart. In spite of all his ill-usage, I have not power to hate him. I can only complain of his baseness; and, when my complaints are over, love him more than ever. Pity, O Venus, your daughter-in-law; pierce, O Cupid, the unrelenting heart of your brother, and teach him to fight under your banners. Teach me also, who have already begun the pleasing task, (for I deny it not,) and let him prove an object worthy of my tenderness and concern. I rave; and the enchanting image deludes my eager mind; nor does he retain any portion of the softness of his mother. You are certainly the offspring of rocks and mountains, or the hardened oak that rises out of the hanging cliff. A savage tigress, or the tempestuous ocean, such as it is now when swelled by gathering storms, gave thee birth. But whither can you shape your course, or how stem the force of opposing billows? You prepare to set sail, a stormy sea forbids: let me enjoy the blessing which a rough winter offers. Behold how the blustering east-wind raises the foaming waves. Let me owe that to winter and a stormy sea, which I would rather owe to your love; the winds and waves have more of justice than you. Although thou deservest to perish, cruel and barbarous man, yet I am not of such value, that in flying from me you should lose your life. It is a costly hatred, and of too great amount, if you despise death while you endeavour to shun me. Soon the winds will cease, a calm succeed, and Triton, drawn by sea-green horses, wheel along the surface of the deep. Oh! how I wish that you may also change with the winds! and surely it will be so, unless you have a heart harder than the knotted oak. What? as if yet unacquainted with the dangers of a raging sea, can you still trust in an element that has so often proved fatal to you? Were you even to weigh anchor, and sail along a level deep, an extensive ocean has still many dangers in store. Waves bear the vengeance of the Gods against the violators of vows; it is here that perfidy is overtaken by severe punishment; especially treachery in love; for Venus, the mother of soft and tender desires, is said to have sprung naked from the waves, that murmur round the island of Cythera. Though lost, I am anxious for your safety, and avoid doing hurt to one who has loaded me with injuries; I am afraid that my enemy shipwrecked may be overwhelmed in the raging sea. For Heaven's sake live; I would rather lose you thus than by the grave. Live, I say, and be rather the cause of my funeral. Suppose you are overtaken by a fierce whirlwind, (forbid, ye Gods, that my words carry in them any omen!) what thought or courage will you then exert? The perjuries of your deceitful tongue, and the thought of wretched Dido killed by Phrygian perfidy, will then fly in your face. The mournful image of your forsaken wife will stand before your eyes, disconsolate and bloody, with hair disheveled. You will then own that you have met with your deserved fate, and think each flash of lightning aimed at you. Delay for a time your cruel flight, and tempt not the raging sea: a safe voyage will be the certain reward of your stay. If you are regardless of me, yet think of tender Iulus. It is enough for you to be branded as the cause of my death. What has Ascanius, what have the Gods deserved, that they who have so lately escaped the flames, should be exposed to perish amidst the waves? But neither do you bring your Gods with you; nor, as you falsely boasted, did your shoulders bear these sacred reliques, and a father, through flames and danger. You deceived me in all; nor am I the first credulous fool deluded by that perjured tongue, or the first who have suffered from a rash belief. If we ask after the mother of beautiful Iulus, we find that she fell deserted by a cruel and hard-hearted husband. These things you yourself related, and yet they made no impression: go on to torment me, since I so much deserve it; your punishment will be the less, be- cause of my crime. Nor can I doubt that even your own Gods are offended: it is now the seventh winter that you have been tossed by land and sea. When the waves had thrown you on the shore, I welcomed you to my kingdom, and intrusted you with the government, scarcely knowing even your name. I most sincerely wish that I had confined myself to these kind offices alone, and that the fame of your having shared my bed were buried in eternal oblivion! That was the unhappy day of my ruin, when a sudden dark storm drove us into a hanging cave. I heard a strange voice, and fancied that the mountain Nymphs approved: alas! too late I now find, that the Furies presaged my unhappy destiny. Exact, O violated chastity, the vengeance due to injured Sichæus, to whom (wretch that I am!) I hasten full of shame and anxiety. I preserve, in a little chapel of marble, a pious statue of Sichæus, wreathed with flowers and white wool. From this dome, I seemed to be four times called, and my dear husband ( as I imagined) in a low hollow voice said, "Dido, come." I will come without delay. I who am thy wife, due to thee alone, will come; but with diffidence, because conscious of the wrong I have done you. Pardon my unhappy error: I was mis-led by one formed to deceive. Let his attractions be the excuse of my folly. His mother a goddess, and the pious load of his aged sire, gave me hopes of a constant and unshaken husband. If I did err, yet my error claims an honorable excuse; suppose him faithful, and I might yield up my heart to him without a blush. The same fate which persecuted me before, continues still to harass me, and mars the quiet of my present hours. My husband fell murdered before the altars; and a bloody brother reaped his wealth, as the reward of that impious deed. I am banished from my own country, and forced to abandon the dear remains of my husband: pursued by my enemies, I take shelter in a foreign land. I was wafted to an unknown coast; and, having thus escaped from the cruelty of my brother and the dangers of the sea, I purchased the lands which I have made over to you. I built a city, and marked out my walls to such an extent, as to raise the envy of the neighbouring states. Wars threaten me, though a helpless woman. I prepare to carry on a war with strangers, and with difficulty fortify my new city, and arm my troops. A thousand rivals make pretensions to my love, who all join in complaining, that they are slighted for the sake of this stranger. Why do you hesitate to deliver me a captive to Getulian Iarbas? I have put it in your power to use me thus basely. I have moreover a brother, whose wicked hands, already stained with the blood of my husband, may be stained also with mine. Leave your Gods, and those sacred reliques which were polluted by thy touch. An impious right-hand ill becomes the worship of the heavenly powers. The Gods disdain a sacrilegious homage: and, to avoid thy worship, would willingly return to perish in the Grecian flames. Perhaps, barbarous man, you abandon me in a state of pregnancy, and when a part of you lies hidden in my womb. The unhappy infant will share the fate of its mother; and you will prove the cause of death to one yet unborn. The brother of Iulus will be involved in his parent's unhappy destiny; and one stroke will carry off both at the same time. But a God commands you to be gone. I wish he had forbidden you to touch upon our coasts, and that the streets of Carthage had never been trodden by the natives of Troy. It is doubtless under the same guide, (this Divinity forsooth), that you are now the sport of unfavorable winds, and waste the time in traversing tempestuous seas. Scarcely ought you to expose yourself to so many dangers to recover Troy itself, though in the same flourishing condition as when defended by Hector. At present you are not in quest of Simois, but the banks of the Tyber; where, when you arrive, you will be no more than a precarious guest; and, as it is far off, and eludes your search, it may perhaps remain undiscovered even to your old age. It would be better to accept the dowry of my kingdom, a sure inheritance, and the treasures snatched from covetous Pygmalion. You may more happily transfer your Troy to Carthage, and sway the sacred sceptre with kingly rule. If you are fond of war, if Iulus is impatient to gather laurels in the field; that every thing may be to your wish, he shall find foes to conquer. Here you may taste the blessings of peace, or engage in the toils of war. I adjure you by your parent Goddess, by the arrows of Cupid your brother; by the Gods of Troy, companions of your flight, (so may all that you bring with you from Troy survive the attacks of fortune, and that war prove the period of your calamities; so may Ascanius fill up the measure of his years, and the bones of old Anchises rest in peace,) have pity on me, whose fate is in your hand; whose only crime is to have loved you too well. I am not of Mycenæ, or descended from hostile Achilles; nor did my husband or father ever bear arms against you. If you think we unworthy to be your wife, receive me under the name of your hostess. Dido will submit to any thing, if she may be yours. The seas that beat against the African shore are well known to me. At certain seasons they favor and they frown. When the winds invite you to be gone, you shall spread the swelling sails: now the moored ships are surrounded with floating sea-weed. Let it be my care to observe the season proper for sailing; you shall go, when you may with safety; nor (if you should even desire it) would I suffer you to stay. Your companions will be pleased with a little rest; and the shattered fleet, not completely repaired, requires some delay. I also ask a small respite, if I have any merit with you; if you value my love, or the ties by which I am your's; that the waves and my love may assuage; that by time and use I may learn to bear my sorrows with fortitude. If not, I will end my misery with my life; nor shall it be long in your power to use me thus barbarously. O that you could represent me to yourself as writing this letter! I write, and on my lap lies a drawn sword. The tears flow down my checks upon that weapon, which instead of tears will be soon stained with blood. How well are your gifts fitted to my destiny! You raise my sepulchre at an easy rate. Nor does this dart now first pierce my breast; it previously felt the wounds of cruel love. And you, my dear sister, the confidante of my guilty flame, shall soon pay the last duty to my unhappy remains. Nor let my monument boast that I was the wife of Sichæus; may the marble bear only this inscription: Æneas afforded the cause and instrument of Dido's death; but she fell by her own hand.
8 Hermione
Orestae
Alloquor
Hermione
nuper
fratremque
virumque
.
Nunc
fratrem
;
nomen
coniugis
alter
habet
:
Pyrrhus
Achillides
,
animosus
imagine
patris
,
Inclusam
contra
iusque
piumque
tenet
.
Quod
potui
,
renui
,
ne
non
invita
tenerer
;
Cetera
femineae
non
valuere
manus
. '
Quid
facis
,
Aeacide
?
non
sum
sine
vindice
,'
dixi
: '
Haec
tibi
sub
domino
est
,
Pyrrhe
,
puella
suo
!'
Surdior
ille
freto
clamantem
nomen
Orestae
Traxit
inornatis
in
sua
tecta
comis
.
Quid
gravius
capta
Lacedaemone
serva
tulissem
,
Si
raperet
Graias
barbara
turba
nurus
?
Parcius
Andromachen
vexavit
Achaia
victrix
,
Cum
Danaus
Phrygias
ureret
ignis
opes
.
At
tu
,
cura
mei
si
te
pia
tangit
,
Oreste
,
Inice
non
timidas
in
tua
iura
manus
!
An
siquis
rapiat
stabulis
armenta
reclusis
,
Arma
feras
,
rapta
coniuge
lentus
eris
?
Sit
socer
exemplo
nuptae
repetitor
ademptae
,
Cui
pia
militiae
causa
puella
fuit
!
Si
socer
ignavus
vidua
stertisset
in
aula
,
Nupta
foret
Paridi
mater
,
ut
ante
fuit
.
Nec
tu
mille
rates
sinuosaque
vela
pararis
Nec
numeros
Danai
militis
ipse
veni
!
Sic
quoque
eram
repetenda
tamen
,
nec
turpe
marito
Aspera
pro
caro
bella
tulisse
toro
.
Quid
,
quod
avus
nobis
idem
Pelopeius
Atreus
,
Et
,
si
non
esses
vir
mihi
,
frater
eras
.
Vir
,
precor
,
uxori
,
frater
succurre
sorori
!
Instant
officio
nomina
bina
tuo
.
Me
tibi
Tyndareus
,
vita
gravis
auctor
et
annis
,
Tradidit
;
arbitrium
neptis
habebat
avus
.
At
pater
Aeacidae
promiserat
inscius
acti
;
Plus
patre
,
quo
prior
est
ordine
,
pollet
avus
.
Cum
tibi
nubebam
,
nulli
mea
taeda
nocebat
;
Si
iungar
Pyrrho
,
tu
mihi
laesus
eris
.
Et
pater
ignoscet
nostro
Menelaus
amori
Succubuit
telis
praepetis
ipse
dei
.
Quem
sibi
permisit
,
genero
concedet
amorem
;
Proderit
exemplo
mater
amata
suo
.
Tu
mihi
,
quod
matri
pater
est
;
quas
egerat
olim
Dardanius
partis
advena
,
Pyrrhus
agit
.
Ille
licet
patriis
sine
fine
superbiat
actis
;
Et
tu
,
quae
referas
facta
parentis
,
habes
.
Tantalides
omnis
ipsumque
regebat
Achillem
.
Hic
pars
militiae
;
dux
erat
ille
ducum
.
Tu
quoque
per
proavum
Pelopem
Pelopisque
parentem
,
Si
medios
numeres
,
a
Iove
quintus
eris
.
Nec
virtute
cares
.
arma
invidiosa
tulisti
,
Sed
tibi
quid
faceres
? —
induit
illa
pater
.
Materia
vellem
fortis
meliore
fuisses
;
Non
lecta
est
operi
,
sed
data
causa
tuo
.
Hanc
tamen
inplesti
;
iuguloque
Aegisthus
aperto
Tecta
cruentavit
,
quae
pater
ante
tuus
.
Increpat
Aeacides
laudemque
in
crimina
vertit
Et
tamen
adspectus
sustinet
ille
meos
.
Rumpor
,
et
ora
mihi
pariter
cum
mente
tumescunt
,
Pectoraque
inclusis
ignibus
usta
dolent
.
Hermione
coram
quisquamne
obiecit
Orestae
,
Nec
mihi
sunt
vires
,
nec
ferus
ensis
adest
?
Flere
licet
certe
;
flendo
defundimus
iram
,
Perque
sinum
lacrimae
fluminis
instar
eunt
.
Has
solas
habeo
semper
semperque
profundo
;
Ument
incultae
fonte
perenne
genae
.
Num
generis
fato
,
quod
nostros
errat
in
annos
,
Tantalides
matres
apta
rapina
sumus
?
Non
ego
fluminei
referam
mendacia
cygni
Nec
querar
in
plumis
delituisse
Iovem
.
Qua
duo
porrectus
longe
freta
distinet
Isthmos
,
Vecta
peregrinis
Hippodamia
rotis
;
Taenaris
Idaeo
trans
aequor
ab
hospite
rapta
Argolicas
pro
se
vertit
in
arma
manus
.
Vix
equidem
memini
,
memini
tamen
.
omnia
luctus
,
Omnia
solliciti
plena
timoris
erant
;
Flebat
avus
Phoebeque
soror
fratresque
gemelli
,
Orabat
superos
Leda
suumque
Iovem
.
Ipsa
ego
,
non
longos
etiamtunc
scissa
capillos
,
Clamabam
: '
sine
me
,
me
sine
,
mater
,
abis
?'
Nam
coniunx
aberat
!
ne
non
Pelopeia
credar
,
Ecce
,
Neoptolemo
praeda
parata
fui
!
Pelides
utinam
vitasset
Apollinis
arcus
!
Damnaret
nati
facta
proterva
pater
;
Nec
quondam
placuit
nec
nunc
placuisset
Achilli
Abducta
viduum
coniuge
flere
virum
.
Quae
mea
caelestis
iniuria
fecit
iniquos
,
Quod
mihi
vae
miserae
! —
sidus
obesse
querar
?
Parva
mea
sine
matre
fui
,
pater
arma
ferebat
,
Et
duo
cum
vivant
,
orba
duobus
eram
.
Non
tibi
blanditias
primis
,
mea
mater
,
in
annis
Incerto
dictas
ore
puella
tuli
;
Non
ego
captavi
brevibus
tua
colla
lacertis
Nec
gremio
sedi
sarcina
grata
tuo
.
Non
cultus
tibi
cura
mei
,
nec
pacta
marito
Intravi
thalamos
matre
parante
novos
.
Obvia
prodieram
reduci
tibi
vera
fatebor
Nec
facies
nobis
nota
parentis
erat
!
Te
tamen
esse
Helenen
,
quod
eras
pulcherrima
,
sensi
;
Ipsa
requirebas
,
quae
tua
nata
foret
!
Pars
haec
una
mihi
,
coniunx
bene
cessit
Orestes
;
Is
quoque
,
ni
pro
se
pugnat
,
ademptus
erit
.
Pyrrhus
habet
captam
reduce
et
victore
parente
Hoc
munus
nobis
diruta
Troia
dedit
!
Cum
tamen
altus
equis
Titan
radiantibus
instant
,
Perfruor
infelix
liberiore
malo
;
Nox
ubi
me
thalamis
ululantem
et
acerba
gementem
Condidit
in
maesto
procubuique
toro
,
Pro
somno
lacrimis
oculi
funguntur
obortis
,
Quaque
licet
,
fugio
sicut
ab
hoste
virum
.
Saepe
malis
stupeo
rerumque
oblita
locique
Ignara
tetigi
Scyria
membra
manu
,
Utque
nefas
sensi
,
male
corpora
tacta
relinquo
Et
mihi
pollutas
credor
habere
manus
.
Saepe
Neoptolemi
pro
nomine
nomen
Orestae
Exit
,
et
errorem
vocis
ut
omen
amo
.
Per
genus
infelix
iuro
generisque
parentem
,
Qui
freta
,
qui
terras
et
sua
regna
quatit
;
Per
patris
ossa
tui
,
patrui
mihi
,
quae
tibi
debent
,
Quod
se
sub
tumulo
fortiter
ulta
iacent
Aut
ego
praemoriar
primoque
exstinguar
in
aevo
,
Aut
ego
Tantalidae
Tantalis
uxor
ero
!
Hermione to Orestes I, UNHAPPY Hermione, address the man, lately my kinsman and spouse; now my kinsman only; for another possesses the name of husband. Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles, impetuous as his sire, forcibly confines me here, contrary to honour and justice. I resisted with all the force which I could exert, that I might not be detained; nor was it in the power of female hands to do more. "What are you doing, grandson of Æacus?" exclaimed I: "think not that I am without an avenger: the maid whom you injure has a master of her own." But he, more deaf than the raging waves, dragged me by the hair into his hated palace, calling for aid upon the name of Orestes. What could I have suffered more in the ruin of Lacedæmon, had a troop of barbarians led captive the Grecian dames? Triumphant Greece did not so harass unfortunate Andromache, when the wealth of Phrygia became the prey of devouring flames. But, Oh! Orestes, if you have any care or thought of me, assert with courage and resolution your undoubted right. Will you take up arms if any one should break in upon your sheepfolds, and yet be slow to free your wife from violence? Imitate the example of your father-in-law, who boldly reclaimed his ravished spouse, and thought the injury offered him in a woman a sufficient cause of war. Had Menelaus remained indolent in his deserted palace, my mother would have still continued the wife of Paris, as once she was. There is no necessity for a fleet, or powerful army; come only yourself. Not but that I deserve to be demanded back in this manner; nor is it any reproach to a husband, to have waged a furious war for the honor of his nuptial bed. Have we not the same grandfather, Atreus the son of Pelops? And, were you not my spouse, you are still my kinsman. Both as your wife and kinswoman, I beg your aid; remember that you are under a double tie to this good office. I was given to you by our ancestor Tyndareus, considerable for his experience and years; and one who, as my grandfather, had the undoubted disposal of me. But my father, not knowing this, had given his promise to Æacides. Surely that of Tyndareus, as first in authority and time, ought to have the preference. When espoused to you, my flame was just and unexceptionable; but if I should be married to Pyrrhus, you will be injured in me. My father Menelaus will easily be brought to approve our love; he himself hath yielded to the winged arrows of the God. He will make such allowance for your love, as he took to himself in his. His attachment to my mother affords an example to excuse ourselves. You are to me, what my father was to Helen; and Pyrrhus acts the part of the Trojan guest of old. Let him boast, without ceasing, of the mighty acts of his father; you also can relate the glorious deeds of yours. The descendant of Tantalus commanded all the Grecian host, even Achilles himself. That Hero headed only a single troop; Agamemnon was general in chief. You also glory in being of the race of Pelops and Tantalus; and, if you reckon farther, are the fifth in a direct line from the Father of the Gods. Nor are you destitute of courage; but you have borne arms in an invidious cause, constrained to engage in the just revenge of a father's death. Oh! how I wish that you had given proof of your valor in a less direful cause! yet was it not choice, but necessity. You yielded to the urgent call, and shed the blood of that villain Ægisthus, who had so cruelly murdered your father. But Pyrrhus censures it, and calls that praise-worthy revenge a crime; and even presumes to do it in my presence. I am distracted; my cheeks, as well as my heart, glow with rage, and my breast is scorched with flames pent up. Shall any one dare to blame Orestes in Hermione's presence? I have indeed neither strength nor arms: but I may shed tears: tears assuage grief; tears flow from my eyes in floods. These alone I always can command, and these I always shed profusely: my neglected cheeks are watered by a continual stream. By this fate of our race, which reaches down even to the present age, we matrons of the house of Tantalus fall a sure prey to every ravisher. I need not mention the deceit of the swan, or how Jupiter lurked under the disguise of feathers. Hippodamia was conveyed by foreign wheels, to where the isthmus stretching to a great length divides two seas. Helen was restored to the Amyclæan brothers, Castor and Pollux, from an Attic city. Helen, conveyed beyond sea by an Idæan stranger, raised in arms the whole power of Greece to recover her. Scarcely do I remember the time; yet, young as I was, I remember it: all appeared full of grief; all discovered manifest tokens of anxiety and concern. My grandfather wept, as did also her sister and twin brothers: Leda called on the heavenly powers and her own Jove. I myself with tresses torn, which even yet are not long, complained in a mournful voice; Alas, mother, are you gone without me? have you left me behind? for Menelaus was absent. Lo I too, that I might not belie the race of Pelops, am made the prey of hated Neoptolemus. Oh that Achilles had escaped the arrows of Apollo! he would doubtless have condemned the insolence of his son. He neither approved formerly, nor now would have approved, that a forsaken husband should lament the rape of his spouse. What crime of mine has raised the indignation of the Gods? Unhappy that I am! What ominous star obstructs my felicity? I was deprived of my mother in my earliest youth; my father was engaged in a foreign war; thus, though both were alive, I was destitute of both. I did not, O my mother, in my younger days fondle and flatter you with my prattling tongue; I caught you not round the neck with my infant arms, nor sat, a pleasing load, upon your knee. You had no care of my education, nor was I led by you to the nuptial bed. I came out to meet you at your return, and, to own the truth, I could not distinguish my mother's face. I only fancied you to be Helen, because you were the most beautiful; nor did you know, before a friend informed you, which was your daughter. My only good fortune was the having Orestes for my husband; and he too will be lost, unless he should maintain his right by arms. Pyrrhus hath obtained me from my victorious father; it is all I have gained by the fall of Troy. When the sun in his resplendent chariot mounts the mid heaven, my misfortunes then suffer some remission; but, when night conceals me in my chambers, howling and heaving bitter groans, and I have thrown myself upon my mournful couch; instead of being closed by sleep, my eyes overflow with tears, and I shun my husband when I can, as I would an enemy. Oft rendered insensible by my misfortunes, and unmindful of the place and persons, I am apt to stretch over Pyrrhus my unwary hand. But as soon as I recollect my error, I start from the hated touch, and think my hands polluted. Oft, instead of Pyrrhus, the name of my Orestes escapes me, and I am glad to interpret the mistake as a good omen. I swear by our unhappy race and its almighty sire, who shakes the earth and seas and heaven by his nod; by the bones of your father, my uncle, which, bravely revenged by your hand, now rest in a peaceful urn: I will either prematurely die, and be extinguished in my early youth, or, as I am a descendant of Tantalus, be married to one of my own race.
9 Deianira
Herculi
Mittor
ad
Alciden
a
coniuge
conscia
mentis
Littera
,
si
coniunx
Deianira
tua
est
:
Gratulor
Oechaliam
titulis
accedere
nostris
;
Victorem
victae
succubuisse
queror
.
Fama
Pelasgiadas
subito
pervenit
in
urbes
Decolor
et
factis
infitianda
tuis
,
Quem
numquam
Iuno
seriesque
inmensa
laborum
Fregerit
,
huic
Iolen
inposuisse
iugum
.
Hoc
velit
Eurystheus
,
velit
hoc
germana
Tonantis
,
Laetaque
sit
vitae
labe
noverca
tuae
;
At
non
ille
,
brevis
cui
nox
si
creditur
una
Luctanti
,
ut
tantus
conciperere
,
fuit
.
Plus
tibi
quam
Iuno
,
nocuit
Venus
:
illa
premendo
Sustulit
,
haec
humili
sub
pede
colla
tenet
.
Respice
vindicibus
pacatum
viribus
orbem
,
Qua
latam
Nereus
caerulus
ambit
humum
.
Se
tibi
pax
terrae
,
tibi
se
tuta
aequora
debent
;
Inplesti
meritis
solis
utramque
domum
.
Quod
te
laturum
est
,
caelum
prius
ipse
tulisti
;
Hercule
supposito
sidera
fulsit
Atlans
.
Quid
nisi
notitia
est
misero
quaesita
pudori
,
Si
cumulas
turpi
facta
priora
nota
?
Tene
ferunt
geminos
pressisse
tenaciter
angues
,
Cum
tener
in
cunis
iam
Iove
dignus
eras
?
Coepisti
melius
quam
desinis
;
ultima
primis
Cedunt
;
dissimiles
hic
vir
et
ille
puer
.
Quem
non
mille
ferae
,
quem
non
Stheneleius
hostis
,
Non
potuit
Iuno
vincere
,
vincit
amor
.
At
bene
nupta
feror
,
quia
nominer
Herculis
uxor
,
Sitque
socer
,
rapidis
qui
tonat
altus
equis
.
Quam
male
inaequales
veniunt
ad
aratra
iuvenci
,
Tam
premitur
magno
coniuge
nupta
minor
.
Non
honor
est
sed
onus
species
laesura
ferentis
;
Siqua
voles
apte
nubere
,
nube
pari
.
Vir
mihi
semper
abest
,
et
coniuge
notior
hospes
,
Monstraque
terribiles
persequiturque
feras
.
Ipsa
domo
vidua
votis
operata
pudicis
Torqueor
,
infesto
ne
vir
ab
hoste
cadat
;
Inter
serpentes
aprosque
avidosque
leones
Iactor
et
haesuros
terna
per
ora
canes
.
Me
pecudum
fibrae
simulacraque
inania
somni
Ominaque
arcana
nocte
petita
movent
.
Aucupor
infelix
incertae
murmura
famae
,
Speque
timor
dubia
spesque
timore
cadit
.
Mater
abest
queriturque
deo
placuisse
potenti
,
Nec
pater
Amphitryon
nec
puer
Hyllus
adest
;
Arbiter
Eurystheus
astu
Iunonis
iniquae
Sentitur
nobis
iraque
longa
deae
.
Haec
mihi
ferre
parum
?
peregrinos
addis
amores
,
Et
mater
de
te
quaelibet
esse
potest
.
Non
ego
Partheniis
temeratam
vallibus
Augen
,
Nec
referam
partus
,
Ormeni
nympha
,
tuos
;
Non
tibi
crimen
erunt
,
Teuthrantia
turba
,
sorores
,
Quarum
de
populo
nulla
relicta
tibi
est
.
Una
,
recens
crimen
,
referetur
adultera
nobis
,
Unde
ego
sum
Lydo
facta
noverca
Lamo
.
Maeandros
,
terris
totiens
errator
in
isdem
,
Qui
lassas
in
se
saepe
retorquet
aquas
,
Vidit
in
Herculeo
suspensa
monilia
collo
Illo
,
cui
caelum
sarcina
parva
fuit
.
Non
puduit
fortis
auro
cohibere
lacertos
,
Et
solidis
gemmas
opposuisse
toris
?
Nempe
sub
his
animam
pestis
Nemeaea
lacertis
Edidit
,
unde
umerus
tegmina
laevus
habet
!
Ausus
es
hirsutos
mitra
redimire
capillos
!
Aptior
Herculeae
populus
alba
comae
.
Nec
te
Maeonia
lascivae
more
puellae
Incingi
zona
dedecuisse
putas
?
Non
tibi
succurrit
crudi
Diomedis
imago
,
Efferus
humana
qui
dape
pavit
equas
?
Si
te
vidisset
cultu
Busiris
in
isto
,
Huic
victor
victo
nempe
pudendus
eras
.
Detrahat
Antaeus
duro
redimicula
collo
,
Ne
pigeat
molli
succubuisse
viro
.
Inter
Ioniacas
calathum
tenuisse
puellas
Diceris
et
dominae
pertimuisse
minas
.
Non
fugis
,
Alcide
,
victricem
mille
laborum
Rasilibus
calathis
inposuisse
manum
,
Crassaque
robusto
deducis
pollice
fila
,
Aequaque
famosae
pensa
rependis
erae
?
A
,
quotiens
digitis
dum
torques
stamina
duris
,
Praevalidae
fusos
conminuere
manus
!
Ante
pedes
dominae
Factaque
narrabas
dissimulanda
tibi
Scilicet
inmanes
elisis
faucibus
hydros
Infantem
caudis
involuisse
manum
,
Ut
Tegeaeus
aper
cupressifero
Erymantho
Incubet
et
vasto
pondere
laedat
humum
.
Non
tibi
Threiciis
adfixa
penatibus
ora
,
Non
hominum
pingues
caede
tacentur
equae
;
Prodigiumque
triplex
,
armenti
dives
Hiberi
Geryones
,
quamvis
in
tribus
unus
erat
;
Inque
canes
totidem
trunco
digestus
ab
uno
Cerberos
inplicitis
angue
minante
comis
;
Quaeque
redundabat
fecundo
vulnere
serpens
Fertilis
et
damnis
dives
ab
ipsa
suis
;
Quique
inter
laevumque
latus
laevumque
lacertum
Praegrave
conpressa
fauce
pependit
onus
;
Et
male
confisum
pedibus
formaque
bimembri
Pulsum
Thessalicis
agmen
equestre
iugis
.
Haec
tu
Sidonio
potes
insignitus
amictu
Dicere
?
non
cultu
lingua
retenta
silet
?
Se
quoque
nympha
tuis
ornavit
Iardanis
armis
Et
tulit
a
capto
nota
tropaea
viro
.
I
nunc
,
tolle
animos
et
fortia
gesta
recense
;
Quo
tu
non
esses
,
iure
vir
illa
fuit
.
Qua
tanto
minor
es
,
quanto
te
,
maxime
rerum
,
Quam
quos
vicisti
,
vincere
maius
erat
.
Illi
procedit
rerum
mensura
tuarum
Cede
bonis
;
heres
laudis
amica
tuae
.
O
pudor
!
hirsuti
costis
exuta
leonis
Aspera
texerunt
vellera
molle
latus
!
Falleris
et
nescis
non
sunt
spolia
illa
leonis
,
Sed
tua
,
tuque
feri
victor
es
,
illa
tui
.
Femina
tela
tulit
Lernaeis
atra
venenis
,
Ferre
gravem
lana
vix
satis
apta
colum
,
Instruxitque
manum
clava
domitrice
ferarum
,
Vidit
et
in
speculo
coniugis
arma
mei
!
Haec
tamen
audieram
;
licuit
non
credere
famae
,
Et
venit
ad
sensus
mollis
ab
aure
dolor
Ante
meos
oculos
adducitur
advena
paelex
,
Nec
mihi
,
quae
patior
,
dissimulare
licet
!
Non
sinis
averti
;
mediam
captiva
per
urbem
Invitis
oculis
adspicienda
venit
.
Nec
venit
incultis
captarum
more
capillis
,
Fortunam
vultu
fassa
decente
suam
;
Ingreditur
late
lato
spectabilis
auro
,
Qualiter
in
Phrygia
tu
quoque
cultus
eras
.
Dat
vultum
populo
sublimis
ut
Hercule
victo
;
Oechaliam
vivo
stare
parente
putes
.
Forsitan
et
pulsa
Aetolide
Deianira
Nomine
deposito
paelicis
uxor
erit
,
Eurytidosque
Ioles
atque
Aonii
Alcidae
Turpia
famosus
corpora
iunget
Hymen
.
Mens
fugit
admonitu
,
frigusque
perambulat
artus
,
Et
iacet
in
gremio
languida
facta
manus
.
Me
quoque
cum
multis
,
sed
me
sine
crimine
amasti
.
Ne
pigeat
,
pugnae
bis
tibi
causa
fui
.
Cornua
flens
legit
ripis
Achelous
in
udis
Truncaque
limosa
tempora
mersit
aqua
;
Semivir
occubuit
in
lotifero
Eueno
Nessus
,
et
infecit
sanguis
equinus
aquas
.
Sed
quid
ego
haec
refero
?
scribenti
nuntia
venit
Fama
,
virum
tunicae
tabe
perire
meae
.
Ei
mihi
!
quid
feci
?
quo
me
furor
egit
amantem
?
Inpia
quid
dubitas
Deianira
mori
?
An
tuus
in
media
coniunx
lacerabitur
Oeta
,
Tu
sceleris
tanti
causa
superstes
eris
?
Siquid
adhuc
habeo
facti
,
cur
Herculis
uxor
Credar
,
coniugii
mors
mea
pignus
erit
!
Tu
quoque
cognosces
in
me
,
Meleagre
,
sororem
!
Inpia
quid
dubitas
Deianira
mori
?
Heu
devota
domus
!
solio
sedet
Agrios
alto
;
Oenea
desertum
nuda
senecta
premit
.
Exulat
ignotis
Tydeus
germanus
in
oris
;
Alter
fatali
vivus
in
igne
situs
;
Exegit
ferrum
sua
per
praecordia
mater
.
Inpia
quid
dubitas
Deianira
mori
?
Deprecor
hoc
unum
per
iura
sacerrima
lecti
,
Ne
videar
fatis
insidiata
tuis
.
Nessus
,
ut
est
avidum
percussus
harundine
pectus
, '
Hic
,'
dixit
, '
vires
sanguis
amoris
habet
.'
Inlita
Nesseo
misi
tibi
texta
veneno
.
Inpia
quid
dubitas
Deianira
mori
?
Iamque
vale
,
seniorque
pater
germanaque
Gorge
,
Et
patria
et
patriae
frater
adempte
tuae
,
Et
tu
lux
oculis
hodierna
novissima
nostris
,
Virque
sed
o
possis
! —
et
puer
Hylle
,
vale
!
Deianira to Hercules I GIVE you joy that the conquest of Œchalia is now added to your other trophies; but I am sorry that the conqueror is forced to submit to the conquered. For a report that tends greatly to your dishonor, and which by your actions you must study to discredit, has been suddenly propagated through all the cities of Greece, that he whom neither the malice of Juno, nor an endless series of toils, could subdue, is now a captive to the charms of Iole. Eurystheus has much longed for this, as has the sister of the Thunderer; and your step-mother triumphs in this stain of your character: but it is far from pleasing him, to whom (if fame can be believed) one night was not sufficient to beget you, great as you are. Venus has injured you more than Juno. The wife of Jove raised, by endeavouring to depress you: the other goddess keeps your neck beneath her footstool. Think how the world lies hushed in peace by your avenging arm, where-ever the blue ocean circles this vast tract of earth. To thee the earth is indebted for peace, and the sea for a safe navigation: thy glory hath filled both houses of the sun. You previously bore up the heavens, that must at length bear you; Atlas, by your aid, supported the stars. Yet all this tends only to spread abroad your shame, if your former brave deeds are stained by an infamous miscarriage. Are you not said to have wrung to death two horrid snakes, when, young and in your cradle, you shewed yourself worthy of your father Jupiter? You began with more honor than you are like to end: the last parts of your life fall short of the first. How preposterous to shew yourself a man in this, in that a child! He whom not a thousand monsters, not the son of Sthenelus, his obstinate enemy, not implacable Juno could vanquish, is yet vanquished by love. But I am thouht honorably wedded, because I am called the wife of Hercules, and boast of him for my father-in-law, who, riding on his fiery steeds, rends the poles with his thunder. As when unequal steers are yoked in the same plough, so does the wife of inferior degree suffer from her mighty husband. A rank that oppresses, is no honor, but a burthen. She who desires to wed well, will do wisely to wed with her equal. My lord is ever absent; and a stranger is better known to him than his wife: he is always in pursuit of monsters and ferocious beasts. Oft I ad- dress Heaven with chaste vows, and tremble in my solitary home, lest my husband should fall by some savage enemy. My imagination hurries me amidst serpents, boars, furious lions, and three-headed devouring dogs. The entrails of the sacrifices, the vain phantoms of sleep, and secret omens of night, alarm me. I am terrified with every surmise of doubtful fame, and feel the full misery of a breast racked by alternate hope and fear. Your mother is absent, and complains that ever her charms engaged the notice of a powerful God. I have neither the society of your father Amphitryon, nor that of your son Hyllus. I feel only Eurystheus, the minister of Juno's unjust rage, and the unrelenting wrath of that goddess. But it is not difficult to bear this. You add also foreign loves; and any one may be a mother by you. I shall not speak either of Auge deflowered in the vales of Arcadia, or of your offspring by Astydamia, the daughter of Ormenus. You shall not be reproached with the fifty sisters of the house of Theutrantes, all of whom you debauched in one night. Your late crime I resent, in preferring an adulteress to me; by whom I am made stepmother to Lydian Lamus. Mæander, which wanders so much in the same plains, whose winding streams flow back by frequent channels, has seen the neck of Hercules adorned with a string of pearls; that neck to which the heavens were an easy load. You have not been ashamed to bind your arms with chains of gold, and deck your solid joints with shining gems. And yet under these arms did the Nemean lion expire, whose skin new forms a covering for your left shoulder. You had the weakness to bind your rude locks with a mitre; a garland of poplar would have better adorned the temples of Hercules. Nor did you think it a dishonor to confine your waist with the girdle of Omphale, after the manner of a wanton maid. The image of barbarous Diomedes, who savagely fed his mares with human flesh, was not then, surely, in your mind. Had Busiris beheld you in that unmanly attire, the conquered would have been ashamed of his conqueror. Antæus would have torn the pearls from your nervous neck, ashamed to submit to so effeminate a victor. You are said to hold the basket amidst the other attendants of Omphale, and tremble at the threats of a mistress. Degenerate Alcides, are you not ashamed to employ in servile offices those nervous hands which have been victorious over a thousand dangers? to apply your manly thumb in fashioning the long thread, and measure out the task given you by your fair mistress? How often, while with rough fingers you draw out the slender thread, have your sinewy hands broken the feeble distaffs? You are said, unhappy man, to tremble at the thongs of the whip, and, falling prostrate at the feet of your mistress, to beg a respite from stripes. You hope to appease her by boasting of your great deeds and pompous triumphs; exploits which, in those circumstances, it would be better to dissemble: by relating how, when an infant in your cradle, you grasped hideous serpents, not terrified by their extended jaws, or forky tongues: how the Arcadian boar was slain upon cypress-bearing Erymanthus, and burthened the earth with his enormous weight. You tell also of the heads that were fixed upon Thracian gates, and the mares fattened by the blood of men; of Geryon, that three-fold monster, rich in Iberian herds, who had three bodies in one; of Cerberus, forming three dogs from the same trunk, having his hair wreathed with hissing snakes; of the astonishing serpent which multiplied by its wounds, and gathered strength from the greatness of its losses; of the enormous burthen which, poised between your left arm and side, you by main strength pressed to death; and the troop of Centaurs, who, vainly trusting to their feet and double-limbed form, were dispersed on the craggy summits of Thessaly. Are you not ashamed to recount these exploits, when you are clad in Tyrian purple; and is not your tongue restrained by a sense of the unseemly dress? The daughter of Iardanus has moreover adorned herself with your armour, and wears the mighty trophies of her captive lover. Rouse now your courage, and boast of your warlike deeds. She has taken the name of hero, because you were unworthy of it; and is as much above you, as it was a harder task to subdue you, the greatest of conquerors, than those whom you overcame. The glory of your actions redounds to her. Resign your claim of praise: a mistress has become heir to your trophies. For shame! do you suffer the bristly hide, torn from the ribs of the savage lion, to enfold her feeble limbs? Weak man, to be thus deluded! These are not the spoils of the lion, but yours: you have indeed triumphed over the savage monster; but she triumphs over you. A woman, scarcely able to sustain the distaff loaded with wool, bears the darts dipped in the poison of the Lernæan Hydra; she has armed her right hand with the club which could subdue the most ferocious beasts; and has viewed in a mirror the armour of her spouse. These things, indeed, I only heard, and was willing to disbelieve common report; but now the mournful tale forces itself upon my senses. A foreign harlot is caressed in my sight; and it is no longer in my power to hide what I suffer. I am not even allowed to be absent. The captive, whom I behold with unwilling eyes, is led through the midst of the city, not in the manner of slaves, with her hair disheveled, and hiding her face in token of her disaster; but in triumphal pomp, adorned with shining gold, and clad in the same attire which you wore when in Phrygia. She carries her dead high amidst the captives subdued by Hercules, as if Œchalia still stood, and her father yet existed. Perhaps too, laying aside the name of mistress, she will be received as your spouse, and Deianira of Ætolia be ba- nished from your bed. An impious marriage may join, in unchaste bands, Iole the daughter of Eurytus, and the infatuated Alcides. My mind sickens with the apprehension; a shivering coldness spreads itself over all my limbs; and my languid hands lie motionless upon my knees. You loved also me among many others; but your love to me was without a crime. Think it no dishonor that twice you fought victorious in my behalf. Achelous gathered his shattered horns upon his oozy banks, and plunged his mutilated temples in the muddy stream. Nessus the Centaur fell near the stream of fatal Evenus, and tinged the waters with his unnatural blood. But why do I now mention these things? Even while I write, Fame brings me the news that my husband perishes by the poison of the shirt that I sent him. Alas! what have I done? Whither has my despairing love driven me? Impious Deianira, do you yet doubt whether you should die? Shall your husband perish miserably on Mount Œta; and you, the cause of that barbarous crime, survive? If aught yet remains to be done by which I may shew myself the wife of Hercules, death shall be the confirmation of our union. You also, Meleager, shall own in me a true sister. Impious Deianira, do you yet doubt whether you should die? Oh! ill-fated house! Agrios usurps the lofty throne, and a desolate old age oppresses Œneus. My brother Tydeus wanders an exile on unknown coasts: the other perished alive in devouring flames. My mother transfixed her heart with steel. Impious Deianira, do you yet doubt whether you should die? It is my only request, by all the most sacred ties of marriage, that I may not be thought to have betrayed you to your fate. Nessus, when his breast was pierced by the flying arrow, said to me, "This blood of mine contains the powers of love." I sent you a robe stained with the poison of the Centaur. Impious Deianira, do you yet doubt whether you should die? And now, my aged sire, and sister Gorge, adieu. Farewell, my country, and my brother, banished from your native home. Adieu, light of day, the last to my now fading eyes. Farewell, my husband, (Oh that thou could'st fare well!) Hyllus, my dear Hyllus, adieu!
10
Ariadne
Theseo
Illa
relicta
feris
etiamnunc
,
improbe
Theseu
,
Vivit
:
et
haec
aequa
mente
tulisse
velis
:
Mitius
inveni
quam
te
genus
omne
ferarum
;
Credita
non
ulli
quam
tibi
peius
eram
.
Quae
legis
,
ex
illo
,
Theseu
,
tibi
litore
mitto
Unde
tuam
sine
me
vela
tulere
ratem
,
In
quo
me
somnusque
meus
male
prodidit
et
tu
,
Per
facinus
somnis
insidiate
meis
.
Tempus
erat
,
vitrea
quo
primum
terra
pruina
Spargitur
et
tectae
fronde
queruntur
aves
.
Incertum
vigilans
ac
somno
languida
movi
Thesea
prensuras
semisupina
manus
Nullus
erat
!
referoque
manus
iterumque
retempto
,
Perque
torum
moveo
bracchia
nullus
erat
!
Excussere
metus
somnum
;
conterrita
surgo
,
Membraque
sunt
viduo
praecipitata
toro
.
Protinus
adductis
sonuerunt
pectora
palmis
,
Utque
erat
e
somno
turbida
,
rupta
coma
est
.
Luna
fuit
;
specto
,
siquid
nisi
litora
cernam
.
Quod
videant
oculi
,
nil
nisi
litus
habent
.
Nunc
huc
,
nunc
illuc
,
et
utroque
sine
ordine
,
curro
;
Alta
puellares
tardat
harena
pedes
.
Interea
toto
clamavi
in
litore
'
Theseu
!':
Reddebant
nomen
concava
saxa
tuum
,
Et
quotiens
ego
te
,
totiens
locus
ipse
vocabat
.
Ipse
locus
miserae
ferre
volebat
opem
.
Mons
fuit
apparent
frutices
in
vertice
rari
;
Hinc
scopulus
raucis
pendet
adesus
aquis
.
Adscendo
vires
animus
dabat
atque
ita
late
Aequora
prospectu
metior
alta
meo
.
Inde
ego
nam
ventis
quoque
sum
crudelibus
usa
Vidi
praecipiti
carbasa
tenta
Noto
.
Ut
vidi
haut
dignam
quae
me
vidisse
putarem
,
Frigidior
glacie
semianimisque
fui
.
Nec
languere
diu
patitur
dolor
;
excitor
illo
,
Excitor
et
summa
Thesea
voce
voco
. '
Quo
fugis
?'
exclamo
; '
scelerate
revertere
Theseu
!
Flecte
ratem
!
numerum
non
habet
illa
suum
!'
Haec
ego
;
quod
voci
deerat
,
plangore
replebam
;
Verbera
cum
verbis
mixta
fuere
meis
.
Si
non
audires
,
ut
saltem
cernere
posses
,
Iactatae
late
signa
dedere
manus
;
Candidaque
inposui
longae
velamina
virgae
Scilicet
oblitos
admonitura
mei
!
Iamque
oculis
ereptus
eras
.
tum
denique
flevi
;
Torpuerant
molles
ante
dolore
genae
.
Quid
potius
facerent
,
quam
me
mea
lumina
flerent
,
Postquam
desieram
vela
videre
tua
?
Aut
ego
diffusis
erravi
sola
capillis
,
Qualis
ab
Ogygio
concita
Baccha
deo
,
Aut
mare
prospiciens
in
saxo
frigida
sedi
,
Quamque
lapis
sedes
,
tam
lapis
ipsa
fui
.
Saepe
torum
repeto
,
qui
nos
acceperat
ambos
,
Sed
non
acceptos
exhibiturus
erat
,
Et
tua
,
quae
possum
pro
te
,
vestigia
tango
Strataque
quae
membris
intepuere
tuis
.
Incumbo
,
lacrimisque
toro
manante
profusis
, '
Pressimus
,'
exclamo
, '
te
duo
redde
duos
!
Venimus
huc
ambo
;
cur
non
discedimus
ambo
?
Perfide
,
pars
nostri
,
lectule
,
maior
ubi
est
?'
Quid
faciam
?
quo
sola
ferar
?
vacat
insula
cultu
.
Non
hominum
video
,
non
ego
facta
boum
.
Omne
latus
terrae
cingit
mare
;
navita
nusquam
,
Nulla
per
ambiguas
puppis
itura
vias
.
Finge
dari
comitesque
mihi
ventosque
ratemque
Quid
sequar
?
accessus
terra
paterna
negat
.
Ut
rate
felici
pacata
per
aequora
labar
,
Temperet
ut
ventos
Aeolus
exul
ero
!
Non
ego
te
,
Crete
centum
digesta
per
urbes
,
Adspiciam
,
puero
cognita
terra
Iovi
,
Ut
pater
et
tellus
iusto
regnata
parenti
Prodita
sunt
facto
,
nomina
cara
,
meo
.
Cum
tibi
,
ne
victor
tecto
morerere
recurvo
,
Quae
regerent
passus
,
pro
duce
fila
dedi
,
Tum
mihi
dicebas
: '
per
ego
ipsa
pericula
iuro
,
Te
fore
,
dum
nostrum
vivet
uterque
,
meam
.'
Vivimus
,
et
non
sum
,
Theseu
,
tua
si
modo
vivit
Femina
periuri
fraude
sepulta
viri
.
Me
quoque
,
qua
fratrem
mactasses
,
inprobe
,
clava
;
Esset
,
quam
dederas
,
morte
soluta
fides
.
Nunc
ego
non
tantum
,
quae
sum
passura
,
recordor
,
Et
quaecumque
potest
ulla
relicta
pati
:
Occurrunt
animo
pereundi
mille
figurae
,
Morsque
minus
poenae
quam
mora
mortis
habet
.
Iam
iam
venturos
aut
hac
aut
suspicor
illac
,
Qui
lanient
avido
viscera
dente
,
lupos
.
Quis
scit
an
et
fulvos
tellus
alat
ista
leones
?
Forsitan
et
saevas
tigridas
insula
habet
.
Et
freta
dicuntur
magnas
expellere
phocas
!
Quis
vetat
et
gladios
per
latus
ire
meum
?
Tantum
ne
religer
dura
captiva
catena
,
Neve
traham
serva
grandia
pensa
manu
,
Cui
pater
est
Minos
,
cui
mater
filia
Phoebi
,
Quodque
magis
memini
,
quae
tibi
pacta
fui
!
Si
mare
,
si
terras
porrectaque
litora
vidi
,
Multa
mihi
terrae
,
multa
minantur
aquae
.
Caelum
restabat
timeo
simulacra
deorum
!
Destitutor
rabidis
praeda
cibusque
feris
;
Sive
colunt
habitantque
viri
,
diffidimus
illis
Externos
didici
laesa
timere
viros
.
Viveret
Androgeos
utinam
!
nec
facta
luisses
Inpia
funeribus
,
Cecropi
terra
,
tuis
;
Nec
tua
mactasset
nodoso
stipite
,
Theseu
,
Ardua
parte
virum
dextera
,
parte
bovem
;
Nec
tibi
,
quae
reditus
monstrarent
,
fila
dedissem
,
Fila
per
adductas
saepe
recepta
manus
.
Non
equidem
miror
,
si
stat
victoria
tecum
,
Strataque
Cretaeam
belua
planxit
humum
.
Non
poterant
figi
praecordia
ferrea
cornu
;
Ut
te
non
tegeres
,
pectore
tutus
eras
.
Illic
tu
silices
,
illic
adamanta
tulisti
,
Illic
,
qui
silices
,
Thesea
,
vincat
,
habes
.
Crudeles
somni
,
quid
me
tenuistis
inertem
?
Aut
semel
aeterna
nocte
premenda
fui
.
Vos
quoque
crudeles
,
venti
,
nimiumque
parati
Flaminaque
in
lacrimas
officiosa
meas
.
Dextera
crudelis
,
quae
me
fratremque
necavit
,
Et
data
poscenti
,
nomen
inane
,
fides
!
In
me
iurarunt
somnus
ventusque
fidesque
;
Prodita
sum
causis
una
puella
tribus
!
Ergo
ego
nec
lacrimas
matris
moritura
videbo
,
Nec
,
mea
qui
digitis
lumina
condat
,
erit
?
Spiritus
infelix
peregrinas
ibit
in
auras
,
Nec
positos
artus
unguet
amica
manus
?
Ossa
superstabunt
volucres
inhumata
marinae
?
Haec
sunt
officiis
digna
sepulcra
meis
?
Ibis
Cecropios
portus
patriaque
receptus
,
Cum
steteris
turbae
celsus
in
ore
tuae
Et
bene
narraris
letum
taurique
virique
Sectaque
per
dubias
saxea
tecta
vias
,
Me
quoque
narrato
sola
tellure
relictam
!
Non
ego
sum
titulis
subripienda
tuis
.
Nec
pater
est
Aegeus
,
nec
tu
Pittheidos
Aethrae
Filius
;
auctores
saxa
fretumque
tui
!
Di
facerent
,
ut
me
summa
de
puppe
videres
;
Movisset
vultus
maesta
figura
tuos
!
Nunc
quoque
non
oculis
,
sed
,
qua
potes
,
adspice
mente
Haerentem
scopulo
,
quem
vaga
pulsat
aqua
.
Adspice
demissos
lugentis
more
capillos
Et
tunicas
lacrimis
sicut
ab
imbre
gravis
.
Corpus
,
ut
inpulsae
segetes
aquilonibus
,
horret
,
Litteraque
articulo
pressa
tremente
labat
.
Non
te
per
meritum
,
quoniam
male
cessit
,
adoro
;
Debita
sit
facto
gratia
nulla
meo
.
Sed
ne
poena
quidem
!
si
non
ego
causa
salutis
,
Non
tamen
est
,
cur
sis
tu
mihi
causa
necis
.
Has
tibi
plangendo
lugubria
pectora
lassas
Infelix
tendo
trans
freta
lata
manus
;
Hos
tibi
qui
superant
ostendo
maesta
capillos
!
Per
lacrimas
oro
,
quas
tua
facta
movent
Flecte
ratem
,
Theseu
,
versoque
relabere
velo
!
Si
prius
occidero
,
tu
tamen
ossa
feres
!
Ariadne to Theseus BEASTS of the most savage nature have proved more mild and gentle to me, than you; nor could I have been intrusted to more faithless hands. The epistle which you now read, Theseus, is sent to you from that shore, whence your ship, leaving me behind, was borne by the spreading sails; where soft sleep, and you also, who barbarously watched the opportunity of my slumbers, fatally betrayed me. It was the season when the earth begins to be covered with shining frost, and the birds, lurking among the leaves, complain of the decaying year; when, half awake, and still in slumber languidly reclining, I stretched my arms to grasp my Theseus. No Theseus was there: I suddenly pulled back my hands, and then tried once more to find him. I wandered with my arms over all the bed: still no Theseus was there. Fear instantly shook off sleep: I started up in a consternation, and headlong threw my limbs fiom the deserted bed. Forthwith my breast resounded with the repeated strokes of my hands; and I tore my hair, as yet disheveled from sleep. The moon shone: I looked round if I could discern any thing besides the shore. My eager eyes found nought to look at but the shore. I ran sometimes here, sometimes there, and with wild disorder on either side: the deep yielding sands impeted my tender feet. Mean-while the hollow rocks over all the shore resounded the name of Theseus to my incessant cries. As often as I named you, the place re-echoed the sound: the very place seemed willing to alleviate my wretched lot. Near the spot was a mountain, whose top was thinly covered with tufted shrubs; and where a steep rock, undermined by the beating waves, impended. I mounted the ascent: my passion gave me strength; and thence with wide prospect I surveyed the mighty deep. Hence (for the winds also were cruelly unkind) I could observe your sails full-stretched by stiff southern gales. I either saw, or, when I thought I saw, remained cold as ice, and half-dead with concern. Nor did grief long permit this indolent respite: I was roused by that sensation; I was roused, and in a loud complaining strain called upon Theseus: "Whither do you fly? Return, perjured wretch, change your course; the ship has not her complement." Thus I complained: I made up in shrieks what was wanting in articulate sounds, and mingled my words with repeated blows upon my breast. My hands, waved high in the air, made signs, that, if you could not hear, you might at least perceive me. I also held out a white robe upon a long pole, to admonish you of her whom you had left behind. But, alas! I soon lost sight of you; it was then I began to weep; my tender cheeks had hitherto been stiffened with grief. What could my eyes do better, after ceasing to behold your sails, than help me to bemoan my forlorn state? Sometimes I wandered solitary, with my hair disheveled, like the raving priestesses inspired by the Theban God. Sometimes, fixing my eyes upon the sea, I silently seated myself upon some pointed rock, cold and senseless as the stone whereon I sat. Often I repair to the bed which once sheltered us both: Alas! it will never more exhibit the once happy lovers. I kiss the print left by your dear body, and love to repose myself upon the spot which your dear joints have warmed. I throw myself down; and watering the couch with profuse tears, Here, (I cry,) we pressed thee together: bring us together again. Hither we both came; why not both also depart? Perfidious bed, what is become of my dearer half? What shall I do? Whither, thus desolate and forsaken, shall I fly? The island lies uncultivated, and affords no prints either of men or cattle. The sea encompasses me. No mariner appears, no ship to bear me through the ambiguous tract. And suppose a ship, companions, and winds were in my power, what could I do? my native country denies access. Even if in a prosperous ship I should traverse the quiet seas, Æolus restraining the murmuring winds, still I should remain an exile. I shall never more behold you, O Crete, planned out into a hundred cities, — the isle where infant Jupiter was nursed. I have basely betrayed my father, and his kingdom ruled by just laws, — names that must be ever dear to me. For you have I betrayed them, when, anxious lest the victor should be bewildered in the labyrinth, I gave you a clue to guide your uncertain steps: when you deceived me by false protestations, and swore by the dangers from which you had escaped, that, while life remained, we should be inseparably one. We live; and yet, Theseus, I am no longer thine; if indeed an unhappy woman, oppressed by the treachery of a perjured man, can be said to live. If you, barbarous man, had murdered me with the club with which you slew my brother, my death would have absolved you from your vow. Now I not only figure to myself those ills which I shall suffer, but every mishap that can befall one in my forlorn condition. A thousand shapes of death wander before my eyes. Death itself appears less terrible, than the lin- gering life that threatens me. Sometimes I fancy that ravenous wolves may rush upon me unseen, and tear my bowels with their bloody teeth. Who knows but the island may nourish savage lions? perhaps too it is infested with fierce tigers: the shores are said to be fertile in sea-calves. How am I screened from the stroke of a piercing sword? But most I dread to be led a captive in cruel chains, and to prosecute the toilsome task with servile hands; — I, who boast of Minos for my father, who was born of the daughter of Phœbus; and, (what is still more to me) who was solemnly engaged to you. If I turn my eyes toward the sea, the earth, or the winding shore, both earth and waves threaten me with a thousand dangers. Heaven only remains, and yet even here I fear the forms of the Gods. I am left a prey, and food for savage beasts. If men inhabit or cultivate these fields, I am apt to mistrust even them. already a sufferer, I have learned to be slow in giving credit to strangers. Oh that Androgeos had still lived, nor the land of Cecrops been condemned to expiate that wicked deed by its funerals! Oh that thy strong arm, Theseus, had never killed my monstrous brother, half ox, half man, with a knotted club, and that I had never given you the thread to guide your returning steps, the thread often grasped by your alternate bands! No wonder that victory declared for you, and the prostrate monster tinged with its blood the Cretan ground. A heart so steeled could not be pierced by the sharpest horn. Had you encountered him with your breast uncovered, you were yet safe from harm. There you were armed with flint and adamant; there you bore Theseus, yet harder than adamant. Cruel sleep, why did you bind me over to a fatal sloth? It had been better for me to have sunk in eternal night. You also, barbarous winds, too readily conspired against me. Ye officious gales have been to me the cause of many tears. O inhuman right-hand, the bane of both me and my brother; and faith, an empty name, plighted at my request! Sleep, the winds, and strongest vows, combined against me, and concurred in deceiving a harmless unsuspecting maid. Alas! must I then here breathe my last, nor see the tears of a pitying mother? shall none attend to close my dying eyes? Must I breathe out my mournful soul in foreign air, and no friendly hand anoint my motionless limbs? Shall my unburied frame be left a prey to devouring vultures? Are these the proper returns for all my affectionate services? When you enter the port of Cecrops, and, welcomed by your country, mount the lofty citadel that overlooks the town; when there you relate your victory over the doubtful monster, and your escape from the intricate prison, branched out into a thousand windings; tell also how I was abandoned in a desert land: I ought not to be forgotten in the train of your exploits. Surely Ægeus was not your father; Æthra never gave birth to you: you sprang from pointed locks, or the raging sea. Oh if you could have viewed me from the stern of your ship, the mournful figure had surely moved compassion. As you cannot now observe me with your eyes, only imagine me to yourself, hanging over a frightful rock, undermined by the waves that dash against it below. Consider me with my hair disheveled, and carelessly spread over my disconsolate face; behold my clothes heavy with tears, as from a shower. My body trembles like corn shaken by the north winds; and the letters proceed unequal from my faltering hand. I do not urge you now by my merit, since my favors were so ill bestowed, nor expect any retribution, as due to my kind offices: but then, what pretence have you for ill usage? Had I not contributed in the smallest degree to your safety, even this is no reason why you should be the cause of my death. To thee wretched Ariadne stretches over the wide sea her hands, faint with often beating her sorrowful breast. Disconsolate as I am, I remind you of the few mangled tresses that yet remain. I conjure you, by the tears shed for your cruel departure, turn your ship, dear Theseus, and bear back your inverted sails. If I die ere you arrive, you may yet collect my scattered bones.
11
Canace
Macareo Aeolis Aeolidae,
quam
non
habet
ipsa
,
salutem
Mittit
et
armata
verba
notata
manu
;
Siqua
tamen
caecis
errabunt
scripta
lituris
,
Oblitus
a
dominae
caede
libellus
erit
.
Dextra
tenet
calamum
,
strictum
tenet
altera
ferrum
,
Et
iacet
in
gremio
charta
soluta
meo
.
Haec
est
Aeolidos
fratri
scribentis
imago
;
Sic
videor
duro
posse
placere
patri
.
Ipse
necis
cuperem
nostrae
spectator
adesset
,
Auctorisque
oculis
exigeretur
opus
!
Ut
ferus
est
multoque
suis
truculentior
Euris
,
Spectasset
siccis
vulnera
nostra
genis
.
Scilicet
est
aliquid
,
cum
saevis
vivere
ventis
;
Ingenio
populi
convenit
ille
sui
.
Ille
Noto
Zephyroque
et
Sithonio
Aquiloni
Imperat
et
pinnis
,
Eure
proterve
,
tuis
.
Imperat
heu
!
ventis
,
tumidae
non
imperat
irae
,
Possidet
et
vitiis
regna
minora
suis
.
Quid
iuvat
admotam
per
avorum
nomina
caelo
Inter
cognatos
posse
referre
Iovem
?
Num
minus
infestum
,
funebria
munera
,
ferrum
Feminea
teneo
,
non
mea
tela
,
manu
?
O
utinam
,
Macareu
,
quae
nos
commisit
in
unum
,
Venisset
leto
serior
hora
meo
!
Cur
umquam
plus
me
,
frater
,
quam
frater
amasti
,
Et
tibi
,
non
debet
quod
soror
esse
,
fui
?
Ipsa
quoque
incalui
,
qualemque
audire
solebam
,
Nescio
quem
sensi
corde
tepente
deum
.
Fugerat
ore
color
;
macies
adduxerat
artus
;
Sumebant
minimos
ora
coacta
cibos
;
Nec
somni
faciles
et
nox
erat
annua
nobis
,
Et
gemitum
nullo
laesa
dolore
dabam
.
Nec
,
cur
haec
facerem
,
poteram
mihi
reddere
causam
Nec
noram
,
quid
amans
esset
;
at
illud
eram
.
Prima
malum
nutrix
animo
praesensit
anili
;
Prima
mihi
nutrix
'
Aeoli
,'
dixit
, '
amas
!'
Erubui
,
gremioque
pudor
deiecit
ocellos
;
Haec
satis
in
tacita
signa
fatentis
erant
.
Iamque
tumescebant
vitiati
pondera
ventris
,
Aegraque
furtivum
membra
gravabat
onus
.
Quas
mihi
non
herbas
,
quae
non
medicamina
nutrix
Attulit
audaci
supposuitque
manu
,
Ut
penitus
nostris
hoc
te
celavimus
unum
Visceribus
crescens
excuteretur
onus
?
A
,
nimium
vivax
admotis
restitit
infans
Artibus
et
tecto
tutus
ab
hoste
fuit
!
Iam
noviens
erat
orta
soror
pulcherrima
Phoebi
,
Et
nova
luciferos
Luna
movebat
equos
.
Nescia
,
quae
faceret
subitos
mihi
causa
dolores
,
Et
rudis
ad
partus
et
nova
miles
eram
.
Nec
tenui
vocem
. '
quid
,'
ait
, '
tua
crimina
prodis
?'
Oraque
clamantis
conscia
pressit
anus
.
Quid
faciam
infelix
?
gemitus
dolor
edere
cogit
,
Sed
timor
et
nutrix
et
pudor
ipse
vetant
.
Contineo
gemitus
elapsaque
verba
reprendo
Et
cogor
lacrimas
conbibere
ipsa
meas
.
Mors
erat
ante
oculos
,
et
opem
Lucina
negabat
Et
grave
,
si
morerer
,
mors
quoque
crimen
erat
Cum
super
incumbens
scissa
tunicaque
comaque
Pressa
refovisti
pectora
nostra
tuis
,
Et
mihi
'
vive
,
soror
,
soror
o
carissima
,'
dixti
; '
Vive
nec
unius
corpore
perde
duos
!
Spes
bona
det
vires
;
fratri
nam
nupta
futura
es
.
Illius
,
de
quo
mater
,
et
uxor
eris
.'
Mortua
,
crede
mihi
,
tamen
ad
tua
verba
revixi
:
Et
positum
est
uteri
crimen
onusque
mei
.
Quid
tibi
grataris
?
media
sedet
Aeolus
aula
;
Crimina
sunt
oculis
subripienda
patris
.
Frugibus
infantem
ramisque
albentis
olivae
Et
levibus
vittis
sedula
celat
anus
,
Fictaque
sacra
facit
dicitque
precantia
verba
;
Dat
populus
sacris
,
dat
pater
ipse
viam
.
Iam
prope
limen
erat
patrias
vagitus
ad
auris
Venit
,
et
indicio
proditur
ille
suo
!
Eripit
infantem
mentitaque
sacra
revelat
Aeolus
;
insana
regia
voce
sonat
.
Ut
mare
fit
tremulum
,
tenui
cum
stringitur
aura
,
Ut
quatitur
tepido
fraxina
virga
Noto
,
Sic
mea
vibrari
pallentia
membra
videres
;
Quassus
ab
inposito
corpore
lectus
erat
.
Inruit
et
nostrum
vulgat
clamore
pudorem
,
Et
vix
a
misero
continet
ore
manus
.
Ipsa
nihil
praeter
lacrimas
pudibunda
profudi
;
Torpuerat
gelido
lingua
retenta
metu
.
Iamque
dari
parvum
canibusque
avibusque
nepotem
Iusserat
,
in
solis
destituique
locis
.
Vagitus
dedit
ille
miser
sensisse
putares
Quaque
suum
poterat
voce
rogabat
avum
.
Quid
mihi
tunc
animi
credis
,
germane
,
fuisse
Nam
potes
ex
animo
colligere
ipse
tuo
Cum
mea
me
coram
silvas
inimicus
in
altas
Viscera
montanis
ferret
edenda
lupis
?
Exierat
thalamo
;
tunc
demum
pectora
plangi
Contigit
inque
meas
unguibus
ire
genas
.
Interea
patrius
vultu
maerente
satelles
Venit
et
indignos
edidit
ore
sonos
: '
Aeolus
hunc
ensem
mittit
tibi
' —
tradidit
ensem
— '
Et
iubet
ex
merito
scire
,
quid
iste
velit
.'
Scimus
,
et
utemur
violento
fortiter
ense
;
Pectoribus
condam
dona
paterna
meis
.
His
mea
muneribus
,
genitor
,
conubia
donas
?
Hac
tua
dote
,
pater
,
filia
dives
erit
?
Tolle
procul
,
decepte
,
faces
,
Hymenaee
,
maritas
Et
fuge
turbato
tecta
nefanda
pede
!
Ferte
faces
in
me
quas
fertis
,
Erinyes
atrae
,
Et
meus
ex
isto
luceat
igne
rogus
!
Nubite
felices
Parca
meliore
sorores
,
Amissae
memores
sed
tamen
este
mei
!
Quid
puer
admisit
tam
paucis
editus
horis
?
Quo
laesit
facto
vix
bene
natus
avum
?
Si
potuit
meruisse
necem
,
meruisse
putetur
A
,
miser
admisso
plectitur
ille
meo
!
Nate
,
dolor
matris
,
rabidarum
praeda
ferarum
,
Ei
mihi
!
natali
dilacerate
tuo
;
Nate
,
parum
fausti
miserabile
pignus
amoris
Haec
tibi
prima
dies
,
haec
tibi
summa
fuit
.
Non
mihi
te
licuit
lacrimis
perfundere
iustis
,
In
tua
non
tonsas
ferre
sepulcra
comas
;
Non
super
incubui
,
non
oscula
frigida
carpsi
.
Diripiunt
avidae
viscera
nostra
ferae
.
Ipsa
quoque
infantis
cum
vulnere
prosequar
umbras
Nec
mater
fuero
dicta
nec
orba
diu
.
Tu
tamen
,
o
frustra
miserae
sperate
sorori
,
Sparsa
,
precor
,
nati
collige
membra
tui
,
Et
refer
ad
matrem
socioque
inpone
sepulcro
,
Urnaque
nos
habeat
quamlibet
arta
duos
!
Vive
memor
nostri
,
lacrimasque
in
vulnera
funde
,
Neve
reformida
corpus
amantis
amans
.
Tu
,
rogo
,
dilectae
nimium
mandata
sororis
Perfice
;
mandatis
obsequar
ipsa
patris
!
Canace to Macareus IF any of these lines should appear stained and obscured by blots, know that they will be occasioned by the death of the writer. My right hand holds the pen, my left a drawn sword; and the paper lies unfolded in my lap. This is the true picture of Canace writing to her brother: it is only in this manner, it seems, that I can satisfy a hard-hearted father. I could wish him to be a spectator of my untimely death, that the blow might be given in the presence of a stern father who commanded it. Fierce, and far more cruel than his eastern ministers of storms, he would view without a tear the mortal wound. For it is infectious to live with savage winds; and therefore he contracts the temper of his people. He commands the South, the Zephyr, and the northern blasts of Thrace; and, surly East, he checks thy rigid wing. He controls indeed the winds; but, alas! he has no power over his own unmeasurable wrath, and governs a kingdom less intractable than his own vices. What avails it that I am allied to the Gods above, that Jupiter is in the number of my kindred? does it snatch from my trembling hind the destructive steel, that fatal gift and weapon, alas, unfit for me! O Macareus, I wish that the hour which joined us had come later than that of my death! Why, brother, did you ever love me otherwise than as a brother? And why did I regard you more than became a sister? For I also felt the powerful flame, and perceived I know not what God taking possession of my glowing heart; but such as I had often heard described. The color had forsaken my cheeks; a leanness had spread itself over all my joints; and my mouth took with reluctance even the smallest food. No gentle slumbers refreshed me; the nights seemed tedious and lingering; and I often sighed to myself, though no apparent grief oppressed me. I could not give any reason why I was thus disconsolate; nor, though in love myself, did I know what it was to love. My aged nurse first divined the growing mischief; and, wise through years, first told me that it was love. I blushed; and, full of shame, fixed my eyes upon my bosom; signs which, accompanied with silence, too clearly testified my confession. And now my womb swelled with the guilty load, and the growing weight pressed my sickly limbs. What herbs, what me- dicines and not my nurse procure, and with her impious hands apply, that the increasing load (this alone we hid from thee) might be entirely discharged? But, alas! the tenacious infant too well withstood our best artifices, securely screened from all hostile attacks. And now the splendid sister of Phœbus had nine times completed her course, and the tenth moon was guiding forward her light-revolving steeds; when some unknown cause afflicted me with sudden pangs. I was a stranger to the movements of child-bearing, and a mere novice in this kind of discipline. I suppressed not my cries, "What!" said my nurse, "do you thus openly proclaim your guilt?" And, knowing the cause of my complaint, she stopped my mouth with her hand. What could I do in that unhappy case? Pain urged my groans; but shame, fear, and my nurse, pressed me to silence. I nevertheless strove to repress my groans, and struggled with my cries; and was forced to drink the tears that trickled from my eyes. Death seemed to hover round me; Lucina refused her aid; and even death was a grievous crime, had I then expired: when entering with thy hair and garments torn, my bosom cherishing close pressed to thine, thou saidst, Live, my sister, O live, my dearest sister; nor rashly destroy two lives in one. Strengthen yourself by hope; for you shall soon be wedded to your brother, and become the wife of him by whom you have been made a mother. Though taint, and almost dead, yet (believe it) your words revived me; and the guilty load sprang forward from my womb. Why do you rejoice at this danger over? In the mid-hall sits Æolus; and from a parent's eyes our crimes must be concealed. The cunning old nurse shrouds the babe with leaves, white olive boughs, and holy fillets; and while she feigns sacred rites, and mutters prayers, the people, and even my father, make way for the solemnity. And now she had almost reached the threshold, when the infant's cry invades my father's ears; by its own evidence, alas! betrayed. Instantly he seizes the child, and unveils the feigned solemnity: the palace resounds with his raging voice. As the sea quivers when brushed by the curling breeze, or a tall ash when shaken by the stormy south-wind; so you might see my pale limbs shiver with fear, and the bed shake under my trembling body. Æolus rushes in with violence, and publishes my shame by his clamors: hardly could he restrain his hands from my face. I, overwhelmed with conscious guilt, answered only by my tears; fear had bound up my frozen tongue. And now he commanded his little grandchild to be thrown out a prey to dogs and hungry birds, and left in some solitary place. The helpless babe cried out, as if he understood his doom, and conjured his grandfather with what voice he could. Imagine, dear brother, what anguish of soul I must then feel, (for you may easily guess the state of my mind by your own,) to hear my bowels doomed in my presence a prey to mountain-wolves, and the savage beasts of the woods. My father left me: then was I at liberty to beat my breast, and wound my checks with my nails. Meantime a messenger came from my father, his countenance sad, and his words full of cruelty. Æolus sends thee this sword (he then gave the sword into my hand), and says, that the sense of thy own demerits will teach thee what it means. I know what it means; and will boldly urge the piercing steel: my father's gift shall be treasured in my breast. Are these the gifts with which a father graces my nuptials? Is this the dower with which you enrich your daughter? Deluded Hymenæus, remove far hence the nuptial torch, and fly with hurry and trepidation from this detested place. Let the hideous Furies bring hither their internal brands, that, kindled up by them, my funeral pile may blaze. Do you, my sisters, wed, blessed with more propitious fate; but, warned, be ever mindful of my crime. What has my infant son, so lately born, committed? What could one scarcely brought forth do to offend his grandfather? If it were possible for him to have deserved so hard a fate, let him be thought to have deserved it. Alas, unhappy balse, you suffer for the guilt to your mother! O my darling son, to be your mother's grief, and the prey of wild beasts! alas! doomed to be destroyed on the very day of your birth; ill-fated babe, the mournful pledge of our unhappy loves; this was your first day of life, this also must be your last! I was not allowed to shed over you a mother's tears, or offer upon your sepulchre my shora hair. I did not hang over thy lifeless frame, or snatch from thy mouth the cold kisses. My bowels, alas! are made a prey to savage beasts. But I will soon follow by this wound thy infant shade: not long a mother, nor long shall I be called childless. But thou, in vain, alas! thy wretched sister's hope, fail not to gather up the scattered members of thy son; bear them to his fond mother's grave, and unite them with her in the social tomb: let the same urn, though small, contain us both. Live ever mindful of your Canace, and shed some tears over my wound: nor fear to touch the breathless body of one whom you loved. Fulfil these last commands of thy hapless sister; and I will execute the cruel mandates of my unrelenting sire.
12 Medea Iasoni
Exul
,
inops
,
contempta
novo
Medea
marito
Dicit
:
an
a
regnis
tempora
nulla
vacant
?
At
tibi
Colchorum
,
memini
,
regina
vacavi
,
Ars
mea
cum
peteres
ut
tibi
ferret
opem
.
Tunc
quae
dispensant
mortalia
fila
sorores
Debuerant
fusos
evoluisse
meos
.
Tum
potui
Medea
mori
bene
!
quidquid
ab
illo
Produxi
vitam
tempore
,
poena
fuit
.
Ei
mihi
!
cur
umquam
iuvenalibus
acta
lacertis
Phrixeam
petiit
Pelias
arbor
ovem
?
Cur
umquam
Colchi
Magnetida
vidimus
Argo
,
Turbaque
Phasiacam
Graia
bibistis
aquam
?
Cur
mihi
plus
aequo
flavi
placuere
capilli
Et
decor
et
linguae
gratia
ficta
tuae
?
Aut
,
semel
in
nostras
quoniam
nova
puppis
harenas
Venerat
audacis
attuleratque
viros
,
Isset
anhelatos
non
praemedicatus
in
ignes
Inmemor
Aesonides
oraque
adusta
boum
;
Semina
iecisset
totidem
quot
semina
et
hostes
,
Ut
caderet
cultu
cultor
ab
ipse
suo
!
Quantum
perfidiae
tecum
,
scelerate
,
perisset
,
Dempta
forent
capiti
quam
mala
multa
meo
!
Est
aliqua
ingrato
meritum
exprobrare
voluptas
.
Hac
fruar
;
haec
de
te
gaudia
sola
feram
.
Iussus
inexpertam
Colchos
advertere
puppim
Intrasti
patriae
regna
beata
meae
.
Hoc
illic
Medea
fui
,
nova
nupta
quod
hic
est
;
Quam
pater
est
illi
,
tam
mihi
dives
erat
.
Hic
Ephyren
bimarem
,
Scythia
tenus
ille
nivosa
Omne
tenet
,
Ponti
qua
plaga
laeva
iacet
.
Accipis
hospitio
iuvenes
,
Aeeta
,
Pelasgos
,
Et
premitis
pictos
,
corpora
Graia
,
toros
.
Tunc
ego
te
vidi
,
tunc
coepi
scire
,
quid
esses
;
Illa
fuit
mentis
prima
ruina
meae
.
Et
vidi
et
perii
;
nec
notis
ignibus
arsi
,
Ardet
ut
ad
magnos
pinea
taeda
deos
.
Et
formosus
eras
,
et
me
mea
fata
trahebant
;
Abstulerant
oculi
lumina
nostra
tui
.
Perfide
,
sensisti
quis
enim
bene
celat
amorem
?
Eminet
indicio
prodita
flamma
suo
.
Dicitur
interea
tibi
lex
ut
dura
ferorum
Insolito
premeres
vomere
colla
boum
.
Martis
erant
tauri
plus
quam
per
cornua
saevi
,
Quorum
terribilis
spiritus
ignis
erat
;
Aere
pedes
solidi
praetentaque
naribus
aera
,
Nigra
per
adflatus
haec
quoque
facta
suos
.
Semina
praeterea
populos
genitura
iuberis
Spargere
devota
lata
per
arva
manu
,
Qui
peterent
natis
secum
tua
corpora
telis
;
Illa
est
agricolae
messis
iniqua
suo
.
Lumina
custodis
succumbere
nescia
somno
,
Ultimus
est
aliqua
decipere
arte
labor
.
Dixerat
Aeetes
;
maesti
consurgitis
omnes
,
Mensaque
purpureos
deserit
alta
toros
.
Quam
tibi
tunc
longe
regnum
dotale
Creusae
Et
socer
et
magni
nata
Creontis
erat
!
Tristis
abis
;
oculis
abeuntem
prosequor
udis
,
Et
dixit
tenui
murmure
lingua
: '
vale
!'
Ut
positum
tetigi
thalamo
male
saucia
lectum
,
Acta
est
per
lacrimas
nox
mihi
,
quanta
fuit
;
Ante
oculos
taurique
meos
segetesque
nefandae
,
Ante
meos
oculos
pervigil
anguis
erat
.
Hinc
amor
,
hinc
timor
est
;
ipsum
timor
auget
amorem
.
Mane
erat
,
et
thalamo
cara
recepta
soror
Disiectamque
comas
adversaque
in
ora
iacentem
Invenit
,
et
lacrimis
omnia
plena
meis
.
Orat
opem
Minyis
.
alter
petit
,
impetrat
alter
:
Aesonio
iuveni
quod
rogat
illa
,
damus
.
Est
nemus
et
piceis
et
frondibus
ilicis
atrum
;
Vix
illuc
radiis
solis
adire
licet
.
Sunt
in
eo
fuerant
certe
delubra
Dianae
;
Aurea
barbarica
stat
dea
facta
manu
.
Noscis
?
an
exciderunt
mecum
loca
?
venimus
illuc
.
Orsus
es
infido
sic
prior
ore
loqui
: '
Ius
tibi
et
arbitrium
nostrae
fortuna
salutis
Tradidit
,
inque
tua
est
vitaque
morsque
manu
.
Perdere
posse
sat
est
,
siquem
iuvet
ipsa
potestas
;
Sed
tibi
servatus
gloria
maior
ero
.
Per
mala
nostra
precor
,
quorum
potes
esse
levamen
,
Per
genus
,
et
numen
cuncta
videntis
avi
,
Per
triplicis
vultus
arcanaque
sacra
Dianae
,
Et
si
forte
aliquos
gens
habet
ista
deos
O
virgo
,
miserere
mei
,
miserere
meorum
;
Effice
me
meritis
tempus
in
omne
tuum
!
Quodsi
forte
virum
non
dedignare
Pelasgum
Sed
mihi
tam
faciles
unde
meosque
deos
? —
Spiritus
ante
meus
tenues
vanescet
in
auras
Quam
thalamo
nisi
tu
nupta
sit
ulla
meo
!
Conscia
sit
Iuno
sacris
praefecta
maritis
,
Et
dea
marmorea
cuius
in
aede
sumus
!'
Haec
animum
et
quota
pars
haec
sunt
! —
movere
puellae
Simplicis
,
et
dextrae
dextera
iuncta
meae
.
Vidi
etiam
lacrimas
sua
pars
et
fraudis
in
illis
.
Sic
cito
sum
verbis
capta
puella
tuis
.
Iungis
aenipedes
inadusto
corpore
tauros
Et
solidam
iusso
vomere
findis
humum
.
Arva
venenatis
pro
semine
dentibus
inples
,
Nascitur
et
gladios
scutaque
miles
habens
.
Ipsa
ego
,
quae
dederam
medicamina
,
pallida
sedi
,
Cum
vidi
subitos
arma
tenere
viros
,
Donec
terrigenae
,
facinus
mirabile
,
fratres
Inter
se
strictas
conseruere
manus
.
Insopor
ecce
vigil
squamis
crepitantibus
horrens
Sibilat
et
torto
pectore
verrit
humum
!
Dotis
opes
ubi
erant
?
ubi
erat
tibi
regia
coniunx
,
Quique
maris
gemini
distinet
Isthmos
aquas
?
Illa
ego
,
quae
tibi
sum
nunc
denique
barbara
facta
,
Nunc
tibi
sum
pauper
,
nunc
tibi
visa
nocens
,
Flammea
subduxi
medicato
lumina
somno
,
Et
tibi
,
quae
raperes
,
vellera
tuta
dedi
.
Proditus
est
genitor
,
regnum
patriamque
reliqui
;
Munus
,
in
exilio
quod
licet
esse
,
tuli
!
Virginitas
facta
est
peregrini
praeda
latronis
;
Optima
cum
cara
matre
relicta
soror
.
At
non
te
fugiens
sine
me
,
germane
,
reliqui
!
Deficit
hoc
uno
littera
nostra
loco
.
Quod
facere
ausa
mea
est
,
non
audet
scribere
dextra
.
Sic
ego
,
sed
tecum
,
dilaceranda
fui
.
Nec
tamen
extimui
quid
enim
post
illa
timerem
? —
Credere
me
pelago
,
femina
iamque
nocens
.
Numen
ubi
est
?
ubi
di
?
meritas
subeamus
in
alto
,
Tu
fraudis
poenas
,
credulitatis
ego
!
Compressos
utinam
Symplegades
elisissent
,
Nostraque
adhaererent
ossibus
ossa
tuis
;
Aut
nos
Scylla
rapax
canibus
mersisset
edendos
Debuit
ingratis
Scylla
nocere
viris
;
Quaeque
vomit
totidem
fluctus
totidemque
resorbet
,
Nos
quoque
Trinacriae
supposuisset
aquae
!
Sospes
ad
Haemonias
victorque
reverteris
urbes
;
Ponitur
ad
patrios
aurea
lana
deos
.
Quid
referam
Peliae
natas
pietate
nocentes
Caesaque
virginea
membra
paterna
manu
?
Ut
culpent
alii
,
tibi
me
laudare
necesse
est
,
Pro
quo
sum
totiens
esse
coacta
nocens
.
Ausus
es
o
,
iusto
desunt
sua
verba
dolori
! —
Ausus
es
'
Aesonia
,'
dicere
, '
cede
domo
!'
Iussa
domo
cessi
natis
comitata
duobus
Et
,
qui
me
sequitur
semper
,
amore
tui
.
Ut
subito
nostras
Hymen
cantatus
ad
aures
Venit
,
et
accenso
lampades
igne
micant
,
Tibiaque
effundit
socialia
carmina
vobis
,
At
mihi
funerea
flebiliora
tuba
,
Pertimui
,
nec
adhuc
tantum
scelus
esse
putabam
;
Sed
tamen
in
toto
pectore
frigus
erat
.
Turba
ruunt
et
'
Hymen
,'
clamant
, '
Hymenaee
!'
frequenter
Quo
propior
vox
haec
,
hoc
mihi
peius
erat
.
Diversi
flebant
servi
lacrimasque
tegebant
Quis
vellet
tanti
nuntius
esse
mali
?
Me
quoque
,
quidquid
erat
,
potius
nescire
iuvabat
;
Sed
tamquam
scirem
,
mens
mea
tristis
erat
,
Cum
minor
e
pueris
(
casu
studione
videndi
Constitit
ad
geminae
limina
prima
foris
) '
Huc
modo
,
mater
,
adi
!
pompam
pater
,'
inquit
, '
Iason
Ducit
et
adiunctos
aureus
urget
equos
!'
Protinus
abscissa
planxi
mea
pectora
veste
,
Tuta
nec
a
digitis
ora
fuere
meis
.
Ire
animus
mediae
suadebat
in
agmina
turbae
Sertaque
conpositis
demere
rapta
comis
;
Vix
me
continui
,
quin
dilaniata
capillos
Clamarem
'
meus
est
!'
iniceremque
manus
.
Laese
pater
,
gaude
!
Colchi
gaudete
relicti
!
Inferias
umbrae
fratris
habete
mei
;
Deseror
amissis
regno
patriaque
domoque
Coniuge
,
qui
nobis
omnia
solus
erat
!
Serpentis
igitur
potui
taurosque
furentes
;
Unum
non
potui
perdomuisse
virum
,
Quaeque
feros
pepuli
doctis
medicatibus
ignes
,
Non
valeo
flammas
effugere
ipsa
meas
.
Ipsi
me
cantus
herbaeque
artesque
relinquunt
;
Nil
dea
,
nil
Hecates
sacra
potentis
agunt
.
Non
mihi
grata
dies
;
noctes
vigilantur
amarae
,
Et
tener
a
misero
pectore
somnus
abest
.
Quae
me
non
possum
,
potui
sopire
draconem
;
Utilior
cuivis
quam
mihi
cura
mea
est
.
Quos
ego
servavi
,
paelex
amplectitur
artus
,
Et
nostri
fructus
illa
laboris
habet
.
Forsitan
et
,
stultae
dum
te
iactare
maritae
Quaeris
et
iniustis
auribus
apta
loqui
,
In
faciem
moresque
meos
nova
crimina
fingas
.
Rideat
et
vitiis
laeta
sit
illa
meis
!
Rideat
et
Tyrio
iaceat
sublimis
in
ostro
Flebit
et
ardores
vincet
adusta
meos
!
Dum
ferrum
flammaeque
aderunt
sucusque
veneni
,
Hostis
Medeae
nullus
inultus
erit
!
Quodsi
forte
preces
praecordia
ferrea
tangunt
,
Nunc
animis
audi
verba
minora
meis
!
Tam
tibi
sum
supplex
,
quam
tu
mihi
saepe
fuisti
,
Nec
moror
ante
tuos
procubuisse
pedes
.
Si
tibi
sum
vilis
,
communis
respice
natos
;
Saeviet
in
partus
dira
noverca
meos
.
Et
nimium
similes
tibi
sunt
,
et
imagine
tangor
,
Et
quotiens
video
,
lumina
nostra
madent
.
Per
superos
oro
,
per
avitae
lumina
flammae
,
Per
meritum
et
natos
,
pignora
nostra
,
duos
Redde
torum
,
pro
quo
tot
res
insana
reliqui
;
Adde
fidem
dictis
auxiliumque
refer
!
Non
ego
te
inploro
contra
taurosque
virosque
,
Utque
tua
serpens
victa
quiescat
ope
;
Te
peto
,
quem
merui
,
quem
nobis
ipse
dedisti
,
Cum
quo
sum
pariter
facta
parente
parens
.
Dos
ubi
sit
,
quaeris
?
campo
numeravimus
illo
,
Qui
tibi
laturo
vellus
arandus
erat
.
Aureus
ille
aries
villo
spectabilis
alto
Dos
mea
,
quam
,
dicam
si
tibi
'
redde
!,'
neges
.
Dos
mea
tu
sospes
;
dos
est
mea
Graia
iuventus
!
I
nunc
,
Sisyphias
,
inprobe
,
confer
opes
!
Quod
vivis
,
quod
habes
nuptam
socerumque
potentis
,
Hoc
ipsum
,
ingratus
quod
potes
esse
,
meum
est
.
Quos
equidem
actutum
sed
quid
praedicere
poenam
Attinet
?
ingentis
parturit
ira
minas
.
Quo
feret
ira
,
sequar
!
facti
fortasse
pigebit
Et
piget
infido
consuluisse
viro
.
Viderit
ista
deus
,
qui
nunc
mea
pectora
versat
!
Nescio
quid
certe
mens
mea
maius
agit
!
Medea to Jason WELL I remember that, though queen of Colchis, I found leisure to provide for your safety, when you requested the help of my art. Then, if ever, the Sisters, who measure out the thread of human life, ought to have finished the number of my days. Then might Medea have died honorably. Life ever since has been a series of woes. Alas! why did the Thessalian bark, manned by a troop of resolute youths, sail in quest of the golden fleece? why did Argo come within sight of Colchis, or a Grecian band drink of the water of Phasis? why was I so much pleased with your golden locks, your personal attractions, and the dissembled eloquence of your enchanting tongue? Doubtless, (as a strange ship had arrived on our coast, and landed a set of bold enterprising youths.) ungrateful Jason should have been left to rush, unfortified with spells, upon the glowing nostrils of the fire-breathing bulls, and dare their lofty looks: he should have been left to sow the serpent's teeth, and feel the arms of his numerous foes; that the forward cultivator might thus have fallen by his own harvest. Perjured wretch! how much perfidy had been prevented by your fall! how many heart-piercing griefs might I have escaped! It is some relief to upbraid the ungrateful with the favors which they have received. This I can still enjoy; and it is indeed the only pleasure you have now left me. Commanded by your uncle to sail to Colchis with the unproved ship, you entered the happy kingdom of my native land. There Medea held the same place which your new bride holds here: my father, in wealth and dominion, came not short of her's. He rules over Corinth placed between two seas: my father commands all that part of snowy Scythia, which runs along the left-side of the Euxine sea. Æetes gave a kind and noble reception to the Pelasgian youths, and placed them on richly embroidered couches. It was then I first saw you, and understood who you were; that was the dreadful day of ruin to my quiet and peace of mind. How did I gaze, how did I imbibe the fatal poison, and burn with fires I had not felt before, like a pine-torch when lighted up at the sacrifices of the Gods! You were beautiful and charming, and my unhappy destiny pushed me on; my eyes remained continually fixed upon your's. Base man, you too clearly perceived it; for who was ever discrete enough to hide love? A flame that betrays itself by its own light. In the mean time the law of victory is laid down, that you train to the unusual plough the unbroken necks of the fierce bulls. These bulls, sacred to Mars, were not only terrible by their horns: they breathed out streams of flame. Their feet were guarded with brazen hoofs; plates of brass also covered their nostrils, which were rendered black by their glowing breath. You are farther required to scatter over the wide fields, with devoted hand, seed that will suddenly bring forth a harvest of men, who will attack you with their self-born darts; a crop fatal to the laborer. Your last and greatest toil is, artfully to elude the eyes of the watchful dragon; eyes, unacquainted with the power of sleep. Here Æetes ended. You all rise up sad; the table is removed, and stripped of the purple carpets. Where was then the kingdom you receive as a dowry with Creusa? how little was your father-in-law, or the daughter of mighty Creon then in your thoughts? You left us thoughtful: I followed your departing steps with eyes moistened in tears; and my tongue in a soft accent bade you farewell. When with a heart fatally wounded I had retired to my quiet bed, the whole night was spent in shedding floods of tears. The fierce bulls and threatening crop of armed men stood before my eyes; but most I was haunted by the image of the watchful dragon. On the one side was love, on the other fear: but fear served only to augment my love. It was now morning, when my darling sister entered my chamber, and found me lying upon my face, my hair disheveled, and the bed under me wet with my tears. She entreats me in behalf of the Argonauts: one asks, and another shall reap the fruit: she craves that aid which I freely grant to the young son of Æson. There is a grove where a darksome shade is formed by pitch-trees and leafy oaks; scarcely can the rays of the sun find admittance. Here had long been, and still was, a temple sacred to Diana, with a golden statue of the goddess, the work of a barbarian artist. Perhaps, as you have forgotten me, so have you also the place. Thither we came; when thus you addressed me with your deluding tongue: "Fortune has given you the disposal and command of my lot; my life and death are in your hands. If you glory in the possession of power, it is enough that you can destroy: but to preserve me in danger will do you greater honor. I implore you by my distresses, which your art alone can succour; by your race, and the majesty of your all-seeing grandfather; by the deity and sacred mysteries of the threefold goddess, and whatever other Gods this nation adores; amiable virgin, take pity on me; take pity on my companions, and bind me eternally to you by your good offices! If you disdain not to give up your heart to a Grecian youth, (but why should I flatter myself that the Gods will be so favorable and indulgent?) sooner may my soul vanish into air, than any besides Medea be received a partner of my bed. May Juno, who presides over the marriage-bed, bear witness to this oath, and the goddess in whose marble temple we are." These declarations (and how small a part is this of what you promised?) made too great an impression upon the mind of an innocent credulous maid; and your right-hand was joined to mine. I saw, moreover, your tears: are these too capable of deceit? Thus was I easily betrayed by your enchanting words. You yoked the brazen-footed bulls, unhurt by their flaming breath, and cleft the hard earth with the commanded plough. You sowed the land with the teeth of poisonous serpents instead of seed, and a harvest of soldiers sprang up armed with swords and bucklers. Even I, who secured you by my art, sat pale and trembling, when I saw this sudden crop of men grasp their arms. But at length the earth-born brothers (mournful catastrophe!) turned against one another their ready-armed right-hands. And now, lo the watchful serpent, terrible by his sounding scales, hisses, and sweeps the ground with his winding breast. Where was then your rich dowry? where then your royal spouse, and the Isthmus which divides the circling sea? Even I, Medea, whom you now despise as a barbarian, whom you deem indigent and criminal, forsaken Medea, locked up his fiery orbs in enchanted sleep, and left you the golden fleece a secure and easy prize. I betrayed my father, abandoned my kingdom and country, and fancied that, with you, even exile was some gratification. My virginity became the prey of a foreign ravisher: I left the best of sisters, and a darling mother. Alas! why did I not leave my brother also? Here conscious guilt arrests my hand, and commands me to draw a veil over my crime. My hand refuses to write what it dared to commit. In this manner ought I to have been torn to pieces; but with you, who also deserved the same fate. Nor did I fear, (for what after this could make me afraid?) though a weak woman, and now a guilty wretch, to trust myself to the sea. Where was then the majesty of heaven? where were the Gods by whom we had falsely sworn? why did we not undergo the just punishment, you of your falsehood, and I of my credulity? Oh! that the meeting Symplegades had crushed us into one, and my bones had been made to incorporate with yours; or that devouring Scylla had made us the prey of hungry dogs (for thus ought Scylla to use ungrateful men); or that the gulf which alternately vomits up and drinks in the waves, had overwhelmed us in its circling current! But fate had otherwise decreed; you returned safe and victorious to the Grecian states, and made an offer of the rich fleece to the Gods of your country. Why should I mention the daughters of Pelias, bloody through piety, and the slaughter of a father by the hands of virgins? However others may blame, yet you are bound to commend me, for whose sake I have so often made myself guilty. You had the barbarity, (Oh! words are wanting to equal my grief,) you had the barbarity to forbid me the house of your father Æson. Compelled, I left the house, accompanied only by my two sons, and by that affection for you which never ceases to haunt me. Soon the new nuptial songs reached my ears, and the torches shone with the spreading flame: the flute also struck off the social lines, to me more mournful than the funeral trumpet. I was frighted to distraction, nor could yet fancy you so completely base: but a coldness spread itself over all my breast. The rabble shouted, and invoked Hymen; they redoubled their cries, and, as they approached, the word seemed more dreadful. The servants wept in corners, and each strove to hide his tears: for who among them would be the messenger of so great a calamity? I was also better pleased to be ignorant of whatever passed: but still my mind, by some secret foresight, foreboded my misfortune. When my younger boy, by my command, and moved by curiosity, stood at the entrance of the double gate, Look, said he, mother, my father Jason heads the procession, and, arrayed in vestments of gold, urges the harnessed horses. I then tore my garments, and beat my breast; nor was my face safe from the impression of my nails. My rage urged me to rush into the midst of the crowd, and tear the garlands from the well-dressed locks. Scarcely could I restrain myself from appearing with my hair torn, taking hold of him, and claiming him as mine. Injured father, forsaken Colchians, now rejoice, and be satisfied with the sacrifice made to the manes of my murdered brother. I am deserted by my husband, after abandoning my kingdom, country, and home. He was all to me! Have I then been able to tame the serpents and raging bulls, and yet cannot vanquish a single man? Could I by magic arts repress the fire-breathing bulls, and not conquer the flames of love that rage in my own breast? Have my enchantments, herbs, and skill, abandoned me? Can Diana and the rites of powerful Hecate yield no relief? Day is odious to me; the nights are full of cruel bitterness; no soft slumbers soothe my anxious breast. I, who can do nothing to myself, could yet lull to rest the dragon; my art is useful to every one but myself. A rival embraces those limbs which I preserved; she now enjoys the fruit of my toil. Perhaps too, while you endeavour to recommend yourself to your silly spouse, and say what may be agreeable to her partial ears, you unjustly ridicule my face and manners. She stupidly laughs, and rejoices at my defects. Laugh on, proud fair, and pride yourself in your purple bed; soon you shall mourn, and burn with flames more fierce than mine. While fire, sword, and poisons, may be had, no enemy of Medea shall escape her resentment. Yet if prayers are able to touch your obdurate heart, hear me now descend to requests below my usual greatness of soul. I address you with the same submission with which you have often applied to me; nor delay to throw myself at your feet. If I am now despicable to you, yet think of your children, those common pledges of our former love. Shall my offspring be exposed to the rage of a cruel step-mother? Alas! they too strongly bear your likeness, and strike me with the resemblance: as often as I look at them, my eyes swim in tears. I implore you by the Gods above, by the splendor of my grand-father's chariot, by the love I always bore you, and your two sons, those dear pledges of what I once was, restore me to that bed, for which I have made so many sacrifices; make good your promises, and give me relief. I ask not your aid against the bulls, and earth-born heroes, or to lull to rest the watchful dragon: I demand you whom I have dearly purchased, who yourself made a surrender of your heart to me; by whom I likewise have been made a mother. If you enquire for my dowry, remember the field that was to be ploughed up before you could carry off the golden fleece. My dowry is that golden ram, beautiful by his rich wool; which if I should demand back, would you ever consent? I bring for a dowry your own safety, and that of all the Grecian youths. Go now, perjured man, and boast the ill-gotten wealth of Sisyphus. To me you owe your life, that you have a spouse, a powerful father-in-law, or even that you can be ungrateful. But hold: I will quickly be revenged. Yet what avails it to threaten before-hand? Rage drives me upon the deepest destruction. I will yield to all the madness of rage, however I may afterwards repent. I even now repent the aid I granted to a perfidious wretch. The God who rages in my breast can alone penetrate these designs: I only know that my mind conceives something vast and worthy of myself.
13 Laodamia Protesilao
Mittit
et
optat
amans
,
quo
mittitur
,
ire
salutem
Haemonis
Haemonio
Laodamia
viro
.
Aulide
te
fama
est
vento
retinente
morari
.
At
me
cum
fugeres
,
hic
ubi
ventus
erat
?
Tum
freta
debuerant
vestris
obsistere
remis
;
Illud
erat
saevis
utile
tempus
aquis
.
Oscula
plura
viro
mandataque
plura
dedissem
;
Et
sunt
quae
volui
dicere
multa
tibi
.
Raptus
es
hinc
praeceps
,
et
qui
tua
vela
vocaret
,
Quem
cuperent
nautae
,
non
ego
,
ventus
erat
;
Ventus
erat
nautis
aptus
,
non
aptus
amanti
.
Solvor
ab
amplexu
,
Protesilae
,
tuo
,
Linguaque
mandantis
verba
inperfecta
reliquit
;
Vix
illud
potui
dicere
triste
'
vale
!'
Incubuit
Boreas
abreptaque
vela
tetendit
,
Iamque
meus
longe
Protesilaus
erat
.
Dum
potui
spectare
virum
,
spectare
iuvabat
,
Sumque
tuos
oculos
usque
secuta
meis
;
Ut
te
non
poteram
,
poteram
tua
vela
videre
,
Vela
diu
vultus
detinuere
meos
.
At
postquam
nec
te
nec
vela
fugacia
vidi
,
Et
quod
spectarem
nil
nisi
pontus
erat
,
Lux
quoque
tecum
abiit
,
tenebrisque
exanguis
obortis
Succiduo
dicor
procubuisse
genu
.
Vix
socer
Iphiclus
,
vix
me
grandaevus
Acastus
,
Vix
mater
gelida
maesta
refecit
aqua
;
Officium
fecere
pium
,
sed
inutile
nobis
.
Indignor
miserae
non
licuisse
mori
!
Ut
rediit
animus
,
pariter
rediere
dolores
.
Pectora
legitimus
casta
momordit
amor
.
Nec
mihi
pectendos
cura
est
praebere
capillos
,
Nec
libet
aurata
corpora
veste
tegi
.
Ut
quas
pampinea
tetigisse
Bicorniger
hasta
,
Creditur
,
huc
illuc
,
qua
furor
egit
,
eo
.
Conveniunt
matres
Phylaceides
et
mihi
clamant
: '
Indue
regales
,
Laudamia
,
sinus
!'
Scilicet
ipsa
geram
saturatas
murice
lanas
,
Bella
sub
Iliacis
moenibus
ille
geret
?
Ipsa
comas
pectar
,
galea
caput
ille
premetur
?
Ipsa
novas
vestes
,
dura
vir
arma
feret
?
Qua
possum
,
squalore
tuos
imitata
labores
Dicar
,
et
haec
belli
tempora
tristis
agam
.
Dyspari
Priamide
,
damno
formose
tuorum
,
Tam
sis
hostis
iners
,
quam
malus
hospes
eras
!
Aut
te
Taenariae
faciem
culpasse
maritae
,
Aut
illi
vellem
displicuisse
tuam
!
Tu
,
qui
pro
rapta
nimium
,
Menelae
,
laboras
,
Ei
mihi
,
quam
multis
flebilis
ultor
eris
!
Di
,
precor
,
a
nobis
omen
removete
sinistrum
,
Et
sua
det
Reduci
vir
meus
arma
Iovi
!
Sed
timeo
,
quotiens
subiit
miserabile
bellum
;
More
nivis
lacrimae
sole
madentis
eunt
.
Ilion
et
Tenedos
Simoisque
et
Xanthus
et
Ide
Nomina
sunt
ipso
paene
timenda
sono
.
Nec
rapere
ausurus
,
nisi
se
defendere
posset
,
Hospes
erat
;
vires
noverat
ille
suas
.
Venerat
,
ut
fama
est
,
multo
spectabilis
auro
Quique
suo
Phrygias
corpore
ferret
opes
,
Classe
virisque
potens
,
per
quae
fera
bella
geruntur
Et
sequitur
regni
pars
quotacumque
sui
?
His
ego
te
victam
,
consors
Ledaea
gemellis
,
Suspicor
;
haec
Danais
posse
nocere
puto
.
Hectora
,
quisquis
is
est
,
si
sum
tibi
cura
,
caveto
;
Signatum
memori
pectore
nomen
habe
!
Hunc
ubi
vitaris
,
alios
vitare
memento
Et
multos
illic
Hectoras
esse
puta
;
Et
facito
dicas
,
quotiens
pugnare
parabis
: '
Parcere
me
iussit
Laodamia
sibi
.'
Si
cadere
Argolico
fas
est
sub
milite
Troiam
,
Te
quoque
non
ullum
vulnus
habente
cadet
.
Pugnet
et
adversos
tendat
Menelaus
in
hostis
;
Hostibus
e
mediis
nupta
petenda
viro
est
.
Causa
tua
est
dispar
;
tu
tantum
vivere
pugna
,
Inque
pios
dominae
posse
redire
sinus
.
Parcite
,
Dardanidae
,
de
tot
,
precor
,
hostibus
uni
,
Ne
meus
ex
illo
corpore
sanguis
eat
!
Non
est
quem
deceat
nudo
concurrere
ferro
,
Saevaque
in
oppositos
pectora
ferre
viros
;
Fortius
ille
potest
multo
,
quam
pugnat
,
amare
.
Bella
gerant
alii
;
Protesilaus
amet
!
Nunc
fateor
volui
revocare
,
animusque
ferebat
;
Substitit
auspicii
lingua
timore
mali
.
Cum
foribus
velles
ad
Troiam
exire
paternis
,
Pes
tuus
offenso
limine
signa
dedit
.
Ut
vidi
,
ingemui
,
tacitoque
in
pectore
dixi
: '
Signa
reversuri
sint
,
precor
,
ista
viri
!'
Haec
tibi
nunc
refero
,
ne
sis
animosus
in
armis
;
Fac
,
meus
in
ventos
hic
timor
omnis
eat
!
Sors
quoque
nescio
quem
fato
designat
iniquo
,
Qui
primus
Danaum
Troada
tangat
humum
.
Infelix
,
quae
prima
virum
lugebit
ademptum
!
Di
faciant
,
ne
tu
strenuus
esse
velis
!
Inter
mille
rates
tua
sit
millensima
puppis
,
Iamque
fatigatas
ultima
verset
aquas
!
Hoc
quoque
praemoneo
:
de
nave
novissimus
exi
;
Non
est
,
quo
properas
,
terra
paterna
tibi
.
Cum
venies
,
remoque
move
veloque
carinam
Inque
tuo
celerem
litore
siste
gradum
!
Sive
latet
Phoebus
seu
terris
altior
exstat
,
Tu
mihi
luce
celer
,
tu
mihi
nocte
veni
,
Nocte
tamen
quam
luce
magis
nox
grata
puellis
Quarum
suppositus
colla
lacertus
habet
.
Aucupor
in
lecto
mendaces
caelibe
somnos
;
Dum
careo
veris
gaudia
falsa
iuvant
.
Sed
tua
cur
nobis
pallens
occurrit
imago
?
Cur
venit
a
labris
multa
querela
tuis
?
Excutior
somno
simulacraque
noctis
adoro
;
Nulla
caret
fumo
Thessalis
ara
meo
;
Tura
damus
lacrimamque
super
,
qua
sparsa
relucet
,
Ut
solet
adfuso
surgere
flamma
mero
.
Quando
ego
,
te
reducem
cupidis
amplexa
lacertis
,
Languida
laetitia
solvar
ab
ipsa
mea
?
Quando
erit
,
ut
lecto
mecum
bene
iunctus
in
uno
Militiae
referas
splendida
facta
tuae
?
Quae
mihi
dum
referes
,
quamvis
audire
iuvabit
,
Multa
tamen
capies
oscula
,
multa
dabis
.
Semper
in
his
apte
narrantia
verba
resistunt
;
Promptior
est
dulci
lingua
referre
mora
.
Sed
cum
Troia
subit
,
subeunt
ventique
fretumque
;
Spes
bona
sollicito
victa
timore
cadit
.
Hoc
quoque
,
quod
venti
prohibent
exire
carinas
,
Me
movet
invitis
ire
paratis
aquis
.
Quis
velit
in
patriam
vento
prohibente
reverti
?
A
patria
pelago
vela
vetante
datis
!
Ipse
suam
non
praebet
iter
Neptunus
ad
urbem
.
Quo
ruitis
?
vestras
quisque
redite
domos
!
Quo
ruitis
,
Danai
?
ventos
audite
vetantis
!
Non
subiti
casus
,
numinis
ista
mora
est
.
Quid
petitur
tanto
nisi
turpis
adultera
bello
?
Dum
licet
,
Inachiae
vertite
vela
rates
!
Sed
quid
ago
?
revoco
?
revocaminis
omen
abesto
,
Blandaque
conpositas
aura
secundet
aquas
!
Troasin
invideo
,
quae
si
lacrimosa
suorum
Funera
conspicient
,
nec
procul
hostis
erit
,
Ipsa
suis
manibus
forti
nova
nupta
marito
Inponet
galeam
Dardanaque
arma
dabit
.
Arma
dabit
,
dumque
arma
dabit
,
simul
oscula
sumet
Hoc
genus
officii
dulce
duobus
erit
Producetque
virum
,
dabit
et
mandata
reverti
Et
dicet
: '
referas
ista
fac
arma
Iovi
!'
Ille
ferens
dominae
mandata
recentia
secum
Pugnabit
caute
respicietque
domum
.
Exuet
haec
reduci
clipeum
galeamque
resolvet
,
Excipietque
suo
corpora
lassa
sinu
.
Nos
sumus
incertae
;
nos
anxius
omnia
cogit
,
Quae
possunt
fieri
,
facta
putare
timor
.
Dum
tamen
arma
geres
diverso
miles
in
orbe
,
Quae
referat
vultus
est
mihi
cera
tuos
;
Illi
blanditias
,
illi
tibi
debita
verba
Dicimus
,
amplexus
accipit
illa
meos
.
Crede
mihi
,
plus
est
,
quam
quod
videatur
,
imago
;
Adde
sonum
cerae
,
Protesilaus
erit
.
Hanc
specto
teneoque
sinu
pro
coniuge
vero
,
Et
,
tamquam
possit
verba
referre
,
queror
.
Per
reditus
corpusque
tuum
,
mea
numina
,
iuro
,
Perque
pares
animi
coniugiique
faces
,
Me
tibi
venturam
comitem
,
quocumque
vocaris
,
Sive
quod
heu
!
timeo
sive
superstes
eris
.
Ultima
mandato
claudetur
epistula
parvo
:
Si
tibi
cura
mei
,
sit
tibi
cura
tui
!
Laodamia to Protesilaus LAODAMIA of Thessaly wishes health to her Thessalian husband, and ardently prays that the Gods may convey this health whither she sends it. It is said that you are detained at Aulis by contrary winds; ah! cruel winds, where were ye when he first parted from me? It was then the seas ought to have opposed themselves to your oars: that was the proper season for the waves to rage. I would nave given him many kisses, many admonitions; for I had an abundance of admonitions to give. You were suddenly hurried from me; an inviting gale called forth the sails, a gale grateful to the mariners, not to me; a gale that exactly suited their views, but not those of an unhappy lover. I was torn from the embraces of my dear Protesilaus; my faltering tongue gave you its last charge in broken words, and scarcely was I able to utter the mournful adieu. The north-wind sprang up, and stretched the swelling sails. My Protesilaus was soon carried far from me. While my husband remained in sight, I found a pleasure in looking at him, and incessantly pursued your eyes with mine. Even after I could no longer see you, I still could behold your sails: the sails kept my eyes long fixed upon them. But when I could no more perceive either you or the flying sails, and nothing appeared to my aching sight beside the sea, light fled also with you; a darkness hung round me, nor were my tottering knees longer able to support my pale frame. My father-in-law Iphiclus, the good old Acastus, and my sorrowful mother, hardly recovered me by sprinkling my face with cold water. They were taken up in a kind good-natured office, but ungrateful to me, who mourn that I was not suffered to finish a wretched life. With my senses, my grief also returned; and a just love preyed upon my chaste heart. I now neg- lect the care of my hanging locks, and refuse to adorn myself with cloth of gold. I wander where-ever my madness urges me, like those whom Bacchus is supposed to have touched with his rod. The Thessalian matrons flock round me. Put on, they cry, Laodamia, the royal robes. Shall I shine in robes of Tyrian purple, and my husband be engaged in a bloody war under the walls of Troy? Shall I adorn my hair, while his head is loaded with a helmet? or strut in new apparel, while he bears about a coat of mail? I will at least be said to copy your hardships in the negligence of my dress, and pass the time of this fatal war in sadness. O Paris of the house of Priam, beautiful to the destruction of your country, may you prove as cowardly an enemy, as you were a perfidious guest. How could I wish that you had disliked the countenance of the Lacedæmonian queen, or that she had found less cause to admire yours! And you, Menelaus, who shew too great anxiety about one who so easily consented to be ravished from you, how fatal an avenger will you prove to many! Avert, ye Gods, the dire omen from me; and grant that my husband may consecrate his spoils to Jupiter, the author of his safe return! Yet I am full of fears; and, as often as I think of the horrible war, the tears drop from me like snow melted by the sun. Ilion, and Tenedos, and Simois, and Xanthus, and Ida, are names which, by their very sound, strike me with terror. A stranger would not have ventured to carry her away, had he not known himself able to defend the prize: doubtless, he was well acquainted with his own strength. He came, as fame reports, adorned with gold and jewels, and made a show in his person of the riches of Phrygia. He was backed with ships and armed men, by which wars are carried on; and yet how small a part of the population of his country followed him! It was by these, I suspect, daughter of Leda, and sister to the famous twins, that your heart was gained: these, I fear, may prove fatal to the Greeks. I have a strong dread of some one named Hector. Hector, Paris was wont to say, knew how to support a war with bloody rage. Beware of this Hector, whoever he is, if you retain any regard for me; let this name be deeply engraven in your mindful breast. When you shun him, remember also to shun others: fancy that there are many Hectors within those walls; and do not fail to say within yourself, as often as you prepare for battle, Laodamia enjoined me to take care of myself for her sake. If fate has ordained that Troy shall fall by the hand of the Greeks, may it fall without your receiving any injury. Let Menelaus fight, and rush among the thickest ranks of the foe, that he may recover from Paris what Paris unjustly ravished from him: let him force his way through them; and, as he triumphs in a better cause, triumph also by arms, and recover his wife from amidst his enemies. The case is different with you; you must fight that you may live, and return safe to your wife's tender caresses. Spare, O Trojans, this one out of so many enemies, and spill not my blood by the wounds you give to him. He is not formed to engage cruel foes in close fight, or march up with an undaunted breast to their foremost ranks. He acquits himself better in the combats of love. Let others engage in bloody wars; but let Protesilaus fight under the banners of Cupid. Now I own, that I would gladly have called you back; my heart strongly inclined me to it; but my tongue was silent from the fear of giving a bad omen. When you set out for Troy from your father's gate, your foot gave a presage by striking against the threshold. When I saw it I groaned, and said quietly to myself, May the Gods grant that this may be a presage of my husband's safe return. These circumstances I now relate to you, that you may not be too forward in the field, but by your caution may make all my fears vanish in empty air. Fortune hath also doomed some one to an untimely fate, who shall, first of the Greeks, set his foot upon Trojan ground. Unhappy she, fated first to deplore her lost lord! Grant, O ye Gods, that Protesilaus' courage may then fail! May thy ship be the last of a thousand, and in the rear of all the fleet plough the foaming deep. I farther admonish you, that you be the last to leave the ship: the shore to which you hasten is not your native soil. But, when you return, urge the bark with sail and oars, nor delay a moment to set foot upon the coast of your own country. Whether Phœbus hides his beams, or high in his chariot overlooks the earth, both by day and by night you fill my mind with grief and anxiety: yet the mournful image haunts me more at night than during the day: night is grateful to those whose necks are environed by clasping arms. I catch at empty dreams in a forlorn bed, and must put up with false joys, because the true have fled. But why does your pale shadow stand before me? Why do I incessantly hear you uttering mournful complaints? I start from my sleep, and adore the nightly powers. The Thessalian altars cease not to smoke with sacrifices for your sake. Incense is offered, and tears are shed over it in abundance; with which the flame burns bright, as if sprinkled with wine. When shall I again clasp you in my longing arms, and be elate with joy in your embraces? When, happily united with you in the same bed, shall I hear you recount your noble deeds in war? Though I shall be pleased with the recital, yet will your relation be often interrupted by our mutual kisses. These always occasion an agreeable pause in discourse: the tongue is rendered more prompt by such alluring delays. But when I think of Troy, of the winds, and the sea, flattering hopes give way to anxious fears. I am alarmed that your fleet is detained by adverse winds. How can you think of sailing when the sea forbids? What man returns to his own country when the winds are against him? why then do you spread your sails to leave it, when the sea forbids? Neptune himself stops up the way to his own city. Whither hurry you so rashly? Let each return to his own home. Whither, I say, O ye Greeks, do you hurry so rashly? Attend to the voice of the forbidding winds. This delay is no work of blind chance; it comes from the Gods. What do you intend by this mighty war, but to regain a base adulteress? Return, ye Grecian ships, while it yet may be done with honor. But why do I thus call you back? Forbid, ye Gods, every bad omen; and may an inviting gale bear you through the quiet waves. How I envy the lot of the Trojan wives; for, if they are doomed to see the mournful funerals of their husbands, the enemy is however not far off. The youthful bride will with her own hand fix the helmet upon the head of her gallant spouse, and buckle on his shining armour. She will buckle on his armour, and, as she performs the task, often snatch a kiss. This sportive office will be grateful to both. She will partly attend him in his march, affectionately enjoin him to return, and advise him to caution, that he may triumph, and dedicate his arms to Jupiter. He, bearing in mind the fresh injunctions of his beloved spouse, will fight with due care of himself, and think of her whom he has left at home. At his return, she will take from him his shield, and unbuckle the ponderous helmet, while he reclines his wearied breast upon her soft bosom. Unhappy, we are racked with uncertainty; an anxious fear makes us apt to fancy you surrounded with a thousand dangers. Yet while you bear armour, and are fighting in remote lands, I take a pleasure in contemplating the wax which exhibits your likeness. As if you were present, I make use of the softest expressions, and address it in words due only to my Protesilaus: I even embrace and caress it. Surely it must be so: this image is more than what it seems. Add speech to the statue, and it will be my Protesilaus himself. My eyes are incessantly fixed upon it; I press it to my bosom as if it were indeed my husband, and pour out my complaints to it, vainly hoping for an answer. I swear by yourself and your return, so dear to me above all things; by the nuptial torch, and that glowing heart which is only yours; by your beloved head, which, O ye propitious Gods, restore to me unhurt, and give me to see at length venerable with grey hairs; that I am ready to fly whithersoever you call me, and will readily share your fate, whether that should happen which, alas! I too much fear, or the Gods should graciously preserve you. Permit me to conclude my epistle with a small request: If you have yet any love for me, be sure to show it in the care you take of yourself.
14
Hypermestra
Lynceo
Mittit
Hypermestra
de
tot
modo
fratribus
uni
Cetera
nuptarum
crimine
turba
iacet
.
Clausa
domo
teneor
gravibusque
coercita
vinclis
;
Est
mihi
supplicii
causa
fuisse
piam
.
Quod
manus
extimuit
iugulo
demittere
ferrum
,
Sum
rea
;
laudarer
,
si
scelus
ausa
forem
.
Esse
ream
praestat
,
quam
sic
placuisse
parenti
;
Non
piget
inmunes
caedis
habere
manus
.
Me
pater
igne
licet
,
quem
non
violavimus
,
urat
,
Quaeque
aderant
sacris
,
tendat
in
ora
faces
;
Aut
illo
iugulet
,
quem
non
bene
tradidit
ensem
,
Ut
,
qua
non
cecidit
vir
nece
,
nupta
cadam
Non
tamen
,
ut
dicant
morientia
'
paenitet
!'
ora
,
Efficiet
.
non
est
,
quam
piget
esse
,
pia
.
Paeniteat
sceleris
Danaum
saevasque
sorores
;
Hic
solet
eventus
facta
nefanda
sequi
.
Cor
pavet
admonitu
temeratae
sanguine
noctis
,
Et
subitus
dextrae
praepedit
ossa
tremor
.
Quam
tu
caede
putes
fungi
potuisse
mariti
,
Scribere
de
facta
non
sibi
caede
timet
!
Sed
tamen
experiar
.
modo
facta
crepuscula
terris
;
Ultima
pars
lucis
primaque
noctis
erat
.
Ducimur
Inachides
magni
sub
tecta
Pelasgi
,
Et
socer
armatas
accipit
ipse
nurus
.
Undique
conlucent
praecinctae
lampades
auro
;
Dantur
in
invitos
inpia
tura
focos
;
Vulgus
'
Hymen
,
Hymenaee
!'
vocant
.
fugit
ille
vocantis
;
Ipsa
Iovis
coniunx
cessit
ab
urbe
sua
!
Ecce
,
mero
dubii
,
comitum
clamore
frequentes
,
Flore
novo
madidas
inpediente
comas
,
In
thalamos
laeti
thalamos
,
sua
busta
! —
feruntur
Strataque
corporibus
funere
digna
premunt
.
Iamque
cibo
vinoque
graves
somnoque
iacebant
,
Securumque
quies
alta
per
Argos
erat
Circum
me
gemitus
morientum
audire
videbar
;
Et
tamen
audibam
,
quodque
verebar
erat
.
Sanguis
abit
,
mentemque
calor
corpusque
relinquit
,
Inque
novo
iacui
frigida
facta
toro
.
Ut
leni
Zephyro
graciles
vibrantur
aristae
,
Frigida
populeas
ut
quatit
aura
comas
,
Aut
sic
,
aut
etiam
tremui
magis
.
ipse
iacebas
,
Quemque
tibi
dederant
vina
,
soporis
eras
.
Excussere
metum
violenti
iussa
parentis
;
Erigor
et
capio
tela
tremente
manu
.
Non
ego
falsa
loquar
:
ter
acutum
sustulit
ensem
,
Ter
male
sublato
reccidit
ense
manus
.
Admovi
iugulo
sine
me
tibi
vera
fateri
! —
Admovi
iugulo
tela
paterna
tuo
;
Sed
timor
et
pietas
crudelibus
obstitit
ausis
,
Castaque
mandatum
dextra
refugit
opus
.
Purpureos
laniata
sinus
,
laniata
capillos
Exiguo
dixi
talia
verba
sono
: '
Saevus
,
Hypermestra
,
pater
est
tibi
;
iussa
parentis
Effice
;
germanis
sit
comes
iste
suis
!
Femina
sum
et
virgo
,
natura
mitis
et
annis
;
Non
faciunt
molles
ad
fera
tela
manus
.
Quin
age
,
dumque
iacet
,
fortis
imitare
sorores
Credibile
est
caesos
omnibus
esse
viros
!
Si
manus
haec
aliquam
posset
committere
caedem
,
Morte
foret
dominae
sanguinolenta
suae
.
Hanc
meruere
necem
patruelia
regna
tenendo
;
Cum
sene
nos
inopi
turba
vagamur
inops
.
Finge
viros
meruisse
mori
quid
fecimus
ipsae
?
Quo
mihi
commisso
non
licet
esse
piae
?
Quid
mihi
cum
ferro
?
quo
bellica
tela
puellae
?
Aptior
est
digitis
lana
colusque
meis
.'
Haec
ego
;
dumque
queror
,
lacrimae
sua
verba
sequuntur
Deque
meis
oculis
in
tua
membra
cadunt
.
Dum
petis
amplexus
sopitaque
bracchia
iactas
,
Paene
manus
telo
saucia
facta
tua
est
.
Iamque
patrem
famulosque
patris
lucemque
timebam
Expulerunt
somnos
haec
mea
dicta
tuos
: '
Surge
age
,
Belide
,
de
tot
modo
fratribus
unus
!
Nox
tibi
,
ni
properas
,
ista
perennis
erit
!'
Territus
exsurgis
;
fugit
omnis
inertia
somni
;
Adspicis
in
timida
fortia
tela
manu
.
Quaerenti
causam
'
dum
nox
sinit
,
effuge
!'
dixi
.
Dum
nox
atra
sinit
,
tu
fugis
,
ipsa
moror
.
Mane
erat
,
et
Danaus
generos
ex
caede
iacentis
Dinumerat
.
summae
criminis
unus
abes
.
Fert
male
cognatae
iacturam
mortis
in
uno
Et
queritur
facti
sanguinis
esse
parum
.
Abstrahor
a
patriis
pedibus
,
raptamque
capillis
Haec
meruit
pietas
praemia
! —
carcer
habet
.
Scilicet
ex
illo
Iunonia
permanet
ira
,
Cum
bos
ex
homine
est
,
ex
bove
facta
dea
.
At
satis
est
poenae
teneram
mugisse
puellam
Nec
,
modo
formosam
,
posse
placere
Iovi
.
Adstitit
in
ripa
liquidi
nova
vacca
parentis
,
Cornuaque
in
patriis
non
sua
vidit
aquis
,
Conatoque
queri
mugitus
edidit
ore
Territaque
est
forma
,
territa
voce
sua
.
Quid
furis
,
infelix
?
quid
te
miraris
in
umbra
?
Quid
numeras
factos
ad
nova
membra
pedes
?
Illa
Iovis
magni
paelex
metuenda
sorori
Fronde
levas
nimiam
caespitibusque
famem
,
Fonte
bibis
spectasque
tuam
stupefacta
figuram
Et
,
te
ne
feriant
,
quae
geris
,
arma
,
times
,
Quaeque
modo
,
ut
posses
etiam
Iove
digna
videri
,
Dives
eras
,
nuda
nuda
recumbis
humo
.
Per
mare
,
per
terras
cognataque
flumina
curris
;
Dat
mare
,
dant
amnes
,
dat
tibi
terra
viam
.
Quae
tibi
causa
fugae
?
quid
tu
freta
longa
pererras
?
Non
poteris
vultus
effugere
ipsa
tuos
.
Inachi
,
quo
properas
?
eadem
sequerisque
fugisque
;
Tu
tibi
dux
comiti
,
tu
comes
ipsa
duci
.
Per
septem
Nilus
portus
emissus
in
aequor
Exuit
insana
paelicis
ora
bove
.
Ultima
quid
refero
,
quorum
mihi
cana
senectus
Auctor
?
dant
anni
,
quod
querar
,
ecce
,
mei
.
Bella
pater
patruusque
gerunt
;
regnoque
domoque
Pellimur
;
eiectos
ultimus
orbis
habet
.
De
fratrum
populo
pars
exiguissima
restat
.
Quique
dati
leto
,
quaeque
dedere
,
fleo
;
Nam
mihi
quot
fratres
,
totidem
periere
sorores
.
Accipiat
lacrimas
utraque
turba
meas
!
En
,
ego
,
quod
vivis
,
poenae
crucianda
reservor
;
Quid
fiet
sonti
,
cum
rea
laudis
agar
Et
consanguineae
quondam
centensima
turbae
Infelix
uno
fratre
manente
cadam
?
At
tu
,
siqua
piae
,
Lynceu
,
tibi
cura
sororis
,
Quaeque
tibi
tribui
munera
,
dignus
habes
,
Vel
fer
opem
,
vel
dede
neci
defunctaque
vita
Corpora
furtivis
insuper
adde
rogis
,
Et
sepeli
lacrimis
perfusa
fidelibus
ossa
,
Sculptaque
sint
titulo
nostra
sepulcra
brevi
: '
Exul
Hypermestra
,
pretium
pietatis
iniquum
,
Quam
mortem
fratri
depulit
,
ipsa
tulit
.'
Scribere
plura
libet
,
sed
pondere
lapsa
catenae
Est
manus
,
et
vires
subtrahit
ipse
timor
.
Hypermnestra to Lynceus HYPERMNESTRA sends to the only survivor of so many brothers: the rest have all perished by the crime of their wives. I am closely confined, and loaded with a weight of chains. My piety is the sole cause of my punishment. I am deemed guilty, because my hand trembled to urge the sword to my husband's throat. Had I dared to commit the bloody deed, I should have been extolled. It is better to be thus deemed guilty, than please a father by an act of barbarity. I can never repent that my hands are unstained withmurder. Should my father torture me with the flames that I have not dared to violate, or throw in my face the torches used at the nuptial rites; should be pierce me with the very sword which he gave me for an inhuman purpose, and destroy the wife by the death from which she saved her husband; yet would all his cruelty be insufficient to make my dying lips own repentance: Hypermnestra is not one who will repent of her piety. Let Danaus and my bloody sisters testify penitence for their wickedness; this usually follows deeds of guilt. My heart sickens at the remembrance of that bloody night; and a sudden trembling enervates the joints of my right hand. That hand which was thought strong enough to engage in the murder of a husband, even dreads to write of a murder that it did not commit; yet will I attempt to describe the horrid scene. Twilight had overspread the earth; it was about the close of day, and night hastened on: we, the descendants of Inachus, are led to the palace of the great Pelasgus; and a father-in-law receives, into his house, daughters armed for the destruction of their husbands. Lamps adorned with gold shine through all the apartments, and impious incense is offered to the unwilling gods. The people invoke Hymen; but Hymen neglects their call: even the wife of Jove forsook her beloved city. The bridegrooms made their appearance, high in wine, and enlivened by the acclamations of their attendants; their anointed heads were adorned with garlands of flowers: they entered their bed-chambers (chambers doomed to be their graves), and reposed their limbs on beds fitter for their funeral piles. Thus they lay overcome with food, wine, and sleep; and a dead silence reigned in unsuspecting Argos. I seemed to hear around me the groans of dying men; I indeed heard them, and it was really as I feared. At this the blood forsook my limbs, the vital heat departed, and a coldness spread itself over all my joints. As the bending reeds are shaken by the mild zephyrs, or the rough northern blasts agitate the poplar leaves; a like, or more violent shaking seised me. You lay quiet, lulled to rest by the sleepy draught I had given. The commands of a violent father had banished fear. I started up, and seised with a trembling hand the deadly sword. Why should I deceive? Thrice I took hold of the pointed steel, and thrice my feeble hand dropped the hated load. I aimed at your throat; blame me not if I acknowlege the truth: I aimed at your throat the blade I had received of my father. But fear and piety opposed the bloody deed; and my blameless right hand refused the hated task. I tore my purple garments, I tore my hair, and with a faint voice uttered this mournful complaint: "A cruel father you have, Hypermnestra; think of executing his commands, and make Lynceus also a companion to his brothers. I am a woman and a virgin, mild both by nature and years; these gentle hands are unfit to wield the fatal steel: but take courage, and, while he lies defenceless, imitate the bravery of your resolute sisters; it is very probable that, ere now, all their husbands are slain. Alas! if this hand could perpetrate a cruel murder, it must first be dyed in the blood of its owner. How can they deserve death by possessing their uncle's realms, which yet must have been given to foreign sons-in-law? Even if our husbands have deserved death, what have we done? Why am I urged to a crime, which, if committed, robs me of my claim to piety? What have I to do with a drawn sword? Why are warlike weapons put into the hands of a girl? A spindle and distaff better suit these fingers." These things I revolved with myself; and, as I complained, the mournful words were accompanied with tears, which, gently falling from my eyes, bedewed your naked limbs. While you sought to embrace me, and half-awake stretched your clasping arms, your hand was almost wounded by the drawn sword. And now, I began to dread my father, the guards, and the approaching light; when these my words roused you from sleep: Rise speedily, grandson of Belus, now the only survivor of so many brothers; unless you are quick in escaping, this is fated to be your eternal night. You start up in a fright; the fetters of sleep are all loosened, and you behold in my hand the pointed weapon. As you ask the cause; Fly, interrupted I, while night permits. You escape, favored by the darkness of the night; while I remain. And now, morning coming on, Danaus numbers over his slaughtered sons; one only was wanting to complete the bloody crime. He storms at his disappointment in the death of a single kinsman, and complains that too little blood had been shed. I am torn from my father as I embrace his knees, and dragged by the hair to prison. Is this the due reward of my piety? So it is that Juno's resentment has ever pursued our race, since Jove transformed Io into a cow, and the cow into a goddess. But was it not sufficient punishment for the unhappy maid to lose her natural form, and, stripped of her beauty, be no longer able to please the almighty Jove? She stood amazed at her new shape, upon the banks of her flowing parent; and beheld, in this paternal mirror, the unusual horns. Striving to complain, her mouth was filled with lowings; and she was equally terrified at her form and voice. Unhappy maid, why this mad rage? Why do you wonder at your own shadow? Why do you number your feet formed to new joints? This beauteous rival, once dreaded by the sister of almighty Jove, now allays her raging hunger with leaves and grass: she drinks of the running stream, and is astonished to behold her own shape; she even trembles at the arms she wears, and thinks them aimed against herself. You, lately so rich as to be deemed worthy even of almighty Jove, now lie naked and defenceless in the unsheltered fields. You wildly run through the sea, over lands, and through kindred rivers. Even seas, lands and rivers, permit your wanderings. What is the cause of your flight? Why, Io, do you thus traverse the spacious main? It is impossible to fly from your own shadow. Whither, daughter of Inachus, do you run? It is the same individual who flies and who pursues; you lead, and at the same time follow the leader. The Nile, which pours into the ocean through seven floodgates, restored to her former shape this beloved of Jove. But why should I mention remote times, and accounts for which I am beholden to old age? Even the present years afford ground of complaint. My father and uncle are at war: we are driven from our kingdom and home, and wander exiles on earth's remotest verge. My savage uncle singly possesses the throne and sceptre; we, a destitute crowd, follow, disconsolate, a helpless old man. You only (how small a part!) remain of a whole nation of brothers. I mourn both for those who perished, and those who gave the fatal stroke. I have not only lost a multitude of brothers, but also a like number of sisters; and both losses equally demand my tears. Lo, even I am reserved to a cruel punishment, because I saved your life! What fate is left for the guilty, when I, who merit only praise, am thus accused? And must I, once the hundredth of a kindred tribe, suffer death for saving one of so many brothers? But, my dear Lynceus, if you have any regard to the piety of your sister, or any remembrance of her love, and the life she gave you, help me in this extremity; or, if death should set me free before you can arrive, bear privately my breathless frame to the funeral pile, and sprinkle my ashes with unfeigned tears. When you have faithfully performed the last obsequies, engrave upon my tomb this short inscription: Hypermnestra, an unhappy exile, was, as a reward for her piety, unjustly doomed to that death from which she had saved her brother. I wish to write more; but my hand fails, disabled by a weight of chains; and ill-boding fears deprive me of the power of reflection.
15 Sappho Phaoni
Ecquid
,
ut
adspecta
est
studiosae
littera
dextrae
,
Protinus
est
oculis
cognita
nostra
tuis
An
,
nisi
legisses
auctoris
nomina
Sapphus
,
Hoc
breve
nescires
unde
movetur
opus
?
Forsitan
et
quare
mea
sint
alterna
requiras
Carmina
,
cum
lyricis
sim
magis
apta
modis
.
Flendus
amor
meus
est
elegiae
flebile
carmen
;
Non
facit
ad
lacrimas
barbitos
ulla
meas
.
Uror
,
ut
indomitis
ignem
exercentibus
Euris
Fertilis
accensis
messibus
ardet
ager
.
Arva
,
Phaon
,
celebras
diversa
Typhoidos
Aetnae
;
Me
calor
Aetnaeo
non
minor
igne
tenet
.
Nec
mihi
,
dispositis
quae
iungam
carmina
nervis
,
Proveniunt
;
vacuae
carmina
mentis
opus
!
Nec
me
Pyrrhiades
Methymniadesve
puellae
,
Nec
me
Lesbiadum
cetera
turba
iuvant
.
Vilis
Anactorie
,
vilis
mihi
candida
Cydro
;
Non
oculis
grata
est
Atthis
,
ut
ante
,
meis
,
Atque
aliae
centum
,
quas
hic
sine
crimine
amavi
;
Inprobe
,
multarum
quod
fuit
,
unus
habes
.
Est
in
te
facies
,
sunt
apti
lusibus
anni
O
facies
oculis
insidiosa
meis
!
Sume
fidem
et
pharetram
fies
manifestus
Apollo
;
Accedant
capiti
cornua
Bacchus
eris
!
Et
Phoebus
Daphnen
,
et
Cnosida
Bacchus
amavit
,
Nec
norat
lyricos
illa
vel
illa
modos
;
At
mihi
Pegasides
blandissima
carmina
dictant
;
Iam
canitur
toto
nomen
in
orbe
meum
.
Nec
plus
Alcaeus
,
consors
patriaeque
lyraeque
,
Laudis
habet
,
quamvis
grandius
ille
sonet
.
Si
mihi
difficilis
formam
natura
negavit
,
Ingenio
formae
damna
repende
meo
.
Sim
brevis
,
at
nomen
,
quod
terras
inpleat
omnes
,
Est
mihi
;
mensuram
nominis
ipsa
fero
.
Candida
si
non
sum
,
placuit
Cepheia
Perseo
Andromede
,
patriae
fusca
colore
suae
.
Et
variis
albae
iunguntur
saepe
columbae
,
Et
niger
a
viridi
turtur
amatur
ave
.
Si
,
nisi
quae
facie
poterit
te
digna
videri
,
Nulla
futura
tua
est
,
nulla
futura
tua
est
.
At
mea
cum
legerem
,
sat
iam
formosa
videbar
;
Unam
iurabas
usque
decere
loqui
.
Cantabam
,
memini
meminerunt
omnia
amantes
Oscula
cantanti
tu
mihi
rapta
dabas
.
Haec
quoque
laudabas
,
omnique
a
parte
placebam
Sed
tum
praecipue
,
cum
fit
amoris
opus
.
Tunc
te
plus
solito
lascivia
nostra
iuvabat
,
Crebraque
mobilitas
aptaque
verba
ioco
,
Et
quod
,
ubi
amborum
fuerat
confusa
voluptas
,
Plurimus
in
lasso
corpore
languor
erat
.
Nunc
tibi
Sicelides
veniunt
nova
praeda
puellae
.
Quid
mihi
cum
Lesbo
?
Sicelis
esse
volo
.
O
vos
erronem
tellure
remittite
vestra
,
Nisiades
matres
Nisiadesque
nurus
,
Nec
vos
decipiant
blandae
mendacia
linguae
!
Quae
dicit
vobis
,
dixerat
ante
mihi
.
Tu
quoque
,
quae
montes
celebras
,
Erycina
,
Sicanos
Nam
tua
sum
vati
consule
,
diva
,
tuae
!
An
gravis
inceptum
peragit
fortuna
tenorem
Et
manet
in
cursu
semper
acerba
suo
?
Sex
mihi
natales
ierant
,
cum
lecta
parentis
Ante
diem
lacrimas
ossa
bibere
meas
.
Arsit
iners
frater
meretricis
captus
amore
Mixtaque
cum
turpi
damna
pudore
tulit
;
Factus
inops
agili
peragit
freta
caerula
remo
,
Quasque
male
amisit
,
nunc
male
quaerit
opes
.
Me
quoque
,
quod
monui
bene
multa
fideliter
,
odit
;
Hoc
mihi
libertas
,
hoc
pia
lingua
dedit
.
Et
tamquam
desint
,
quae
me
sine
fine
fatigent
,
Accumulat
curas
filia
parva
meas
.
Ultima
tu
nostris
accedis
causa
querelis
.
Non
agitur
vento
nostra
carina
suo
.
Ecce
,
iacent
collo
sparsi
sine
lege
capilli
,
Nec
premit
articulos
lucida
gemma
meos
;
Veste
tegor
vili
,
nullum
est
in
crinibus
aurum
,
Non
Arabum
noster
dona
capillus
habet
.
Cui
colar
infelix
,
aut
cui
placuisse
laborem
?
Ille
mei
cultus
unicus
auctor
abes
.
Molle
meum
levibusque
cor
est
violabile
telis
,
Et
semper
causa
est
,
cur
ego
semper
amem
Sive
ita
nascenti
legem
dixere
Sorores
Nec
data
sunt
vitae
fila
severa
meae
,
Sive
abeunt
studia
in
mores
,
artisque
magistra
Ingenium
nobis
molle
Thalia
facit
.
Quid
mirum
,
si
me
primae
lanuginis
aetas
Abstulit
,
atque
anni
quos
vir
amare
potest
?
Hunc
ne
pro
Cephalo
raperes
,
Aurora
,
timebam
Et
faceres
,
sed
te
prima
rapina
tenet
!
Hunc
si
conspiciat
quae
conspicit
omnia
Phoebe
,
Iussus
erit
somnos
continuare
Phaon
;
Hunc
Venus
in
caelum
curru
vexisset
eburno
,
Sed
videt
et
Marti
posse
placere
suo
.
O
nec
adhuc
iuvenis
,
nec
iam
puer
,
utilis
aetas
,
O
decus
atque
aevi
gloria
magna
tui
,
Huc
ades
inque
sinus
,
formose
,
relabere
nostros
!
Non
ut
ames
oro
,
verum
ut
amere
sinas
.
Scribimus
,
et
lacrimis
oculi
rorantur
obortis
;
Adspice
,
quam
sit
in
hoc
multa
litura
loco
!
Si
tam
certus
eras
hinc
ire
,
modestius
isses
,
Et
modo
dixisses
'
Lesbi
puella
,
vale
!'
Non
tecum
lacrimas
,
non
oscula
nostra
tulisti
;
Denique
non
timui
,
quod
dolitura
fui
.
Nil
de
te
mecum
est
nisi
tantum
iniuria
;
nec
tu
,
Admoneat
quod
te
,
pignus
,
amantis
,
habes
.
Non
mandata
dedi
,
neque
enim
mandata
dedissem
Ulla
,
nisi
ut
nolles
inmemor
esse
mei
.
Per
tibi
qui
numquam
longe
discedat
! —
amorem
,
Perque
novem
iuro
,
numina
nostra
,
deas
,
Cum
mihi
nescio
quis
'
fugiunt
tua
gaudia
'
dixit
,
Nec
me
flere
diu
,
nec
potuisse
loqui
!
Et
lacrimae
deerant
oculis
et
verba
palato
,
Adstrictum
gelido
frigore
pectus
erat
.
Postquam
se
dolor
invenit
,
nec
pectora
plangi
Nec
puduit
scissis
exululare
comis
,
Non
aliter
,
quam
si
nati
pia
mater
adempti
Portet
ad
exstructos
corpus
inane
rogos
.
Gaudet
et
e
nostro
crescit
maerore
Charaxus
Frater
,
et
ante
oculos
itque
reditque
meos
,
Utque
pudenda
mei
videatur
causa
doloris
, '
Quid
dolet
haec
?
certe
filia
vivit
!'
ait
.
Non
veniunt
in
idem
pudor
atque
amor
.
omne
videbat
Vulgus
;
eram
lacero
pectus
aperta
sinu
.
Tu
mihi
cura
,
Phaon
;
te
somnia
nostra
reducunt
Somnia
formoso
candidiora
die
.
Illic
te
invenio
,
quamvis
regionibus
absis
;
Sed
non
longa
satis
gaudia
somnus
habet
Saepe
tuos
nostra
cervice
onerare
lacertos
,
Saepe
tuae
videor
supposuisse
meos
;
Oscula
cognosco
,
quae
tu
committere
lingua
Aptaque
consueras
accipere
,
apta
dare
.
Blandior
interdum
verisque
simillima
verba
Eloquor
,
et
vigilant
sensibus
ora
meis
.
Ulteriora
pudet
narrare
,
sed
omnia
fiunt
,
Et
iuvat
,
et
siccae
non
licet
esse
mihi
.
At
cum
se
Titan
ostendit
et
omnia
secum
,
Tam
cito
me
somnos
destituisse
queror
;
Antra
nemusque
peto
,
tamquam
nemus
antraque
prosint
Conscia
deliciis
illa
fuere
meis
.
Illuc
mentis
inops
,
ut
quam
furialis
Enyo
Attigit
,
in
collo
crine
iacente
feror
.
Antra
vident
oculi
scabro
pendentia
tofo
,
Quae
mihi
Mygdonii
marmoris
instar
erant
;
Invenio
silvam
,
quae
saepe
cubilia
nobis
Praebuit
et
multa
texit
opaca
coma
Sed
non
invenio
dominum
silvaeque
meumque
.
Vile
solum
locus
est
;
dos
erat
ille
loci
.
Cognovi
pressas
noti
mihi
caespitis
herbas
;
De
nostro
curvum
pondere
gramen
erat
.
Incubui
tetigique
locum
,
qua
parte
fuisti
;
Grata
prius
lacrimas
conbibit
herba
meas
.
Quin
etiam
rami
positis
lugere
videntur
Frondibus
,
et
nullae
dulce
queruntur
aves
;
Sola
virum
non
ulta
pie
maestissima
mater
Concinit
Ismarium
Daulias
ales
Ityn
.
Ales
Ityn
,
Sappho
desertos
cantat
amores
Hactenus
;
ut
media
cetera
nocte
silent
.
Est
nitidus
vitroque
magis
perlucidus
omni
Fons
sacer
hunc
multi
numen
habere
putant
Quem
supra
ramos
expandit
aquatica
lotos
,
Una
nemus
;
tenero
caespite
terra
viret
.
Hic
ego
cum
lassos
posuissem
flebilis
artus
,
Constitit
ante
oculos
Naias
una
meos
.
Constitit
et
dixit
: '
quoniam
non
ignibus
aequis
Ureris
,
Ambracia
est
terra
petenda
tibi
.
Phoebus
ab
excelso
,
quantum
patet
,
adspicit
aequor
Actiacum
populi
Leucadiumque
vocant
.
Hinc
se
Deucalion
Pyrrhae
succensus
amore
Misit
,
et
inlaeso
corpore
pressit
aquas
.
Nec
mora
,
versus
amor
fugit
lentissima
mersi
Pectora
,
Deucalion
igne
levatus
erat
.
Hanc
legem
locus
ille
tenet
.
pete
protinus
altam
Leucada
nec
saxo
desiluisse
time
!'
Ut
monuit
,
cum
voce
abiit
;
ego
territa
surgo
,
Nec
lacrimas
oculi
continuere
mei
.
Ibimus
,
o
nymphe
,
monstrataque
saxa
petemus
;
Sit
procul
insano
victus
amore
timor
!
Quidquid
erit
,
melius
quam
nunc
erit
!
aura
,
subito
Et
mea
non
magnum
corpora
pondus
habe
!
Tu
quoque
,
mollis
Amor
,
pennas
suppone
cadenti
,
Ne
sim
Leucadiae
mortua
crimen
aquae
!
Inde
chelyn
Phoebo
,
communia
munera
,
ponam
,
Et
sub
ea
versus
unus
et
alter
erunt
:
Grata
lyram
posui
tibi
,
Phoebe
,
poetria
Sappho
:
Convenit
illa
mihi
,
convenit
illa
tibi
.
Cur
tamen
Actiacas
miseram
me
mittis
ad
oras
,
Cum
profugum
possis
ipse
referre
pedem
?
Tu
mihi
Leucadia
potes
esse
salubrior
unda
;
Et
forma
et
meritis
tu
mihi
Phoebus
eris
.
An
potes
,
o
scopulis
undaque
ferocior
omni
,
Si
moriar
,
titulum
mortis
habere
meae
?
Ah
quanto
melius
iungi
mea
pectora
tecum
Quam
poterant
saxis
praecipitanda
dari
!
Haec
sunt
illa
,
Phaon
,
quae
tu
laudare
solebas
,
Visaque
sunt
totiens
ingeniosa
tibi
.
Nunc
vellem
facunda
forem
!
dolor
artibus
obstat
,
Ingeniumque
meis
substitit
omne
malis
.
Non
mihi
respondent
veteres
in
carmina
vires
;
Plectra
dolore
iacent
muta
,
dolore
lyra
.
Lesbides
aequoreae
,
nupturaque
nuptaque
proles
,
Lesbides
,
Aeolia
nomina
dicta
lyra
,
Lesbides
,
infamem
quae
me
fecistis
amatae
,
Desinite
ad
citharas
turba
venire
mea
!
Abstulit
omne
Phaon
,
quod
vobis
ante
placebat
,
Me
miseram
,
dixi
quam
modo
paene
'
meus
!'
Efficite
ut
redeat
;
vates
quoque
vestra
redibit
.
Ingenio
vires
ille
dat
,
ille
rapit
.
Ecquid
ago
precibus
,
pectusve
agreste
movetur
?
An
riget
,
et
Zephyri
verba
caduca
ferunt
?
Qui
mea
verba
ferunt
,
vellem
tua
vela
referrent
;
Hoc
te
,
si
saperes
,
lente
,
decebat
opus
.
Sive
redis
,
puppique
tuae
votiva
parantur
Munera
,
quid
laceras
pectora
nostra
mora
?
Solve
ratem
!
Venus
orta
mari
mare
praestat
amanti
.
Aura
dabit
cursum
;
tu
modo
solve
ratem
!
Ipse
gubernabit
residens
in
puppe
Cupido
;
Ipse
dabit
tenera
vela
legetque
manu
.
Sive
iuvat
longe
fugisse
Pelasgida
Sappho
Non
tamen
invenies
,
cur
ego
digna
fugi
Hoc
saltem
miserae
crudelis
epistula
dicat
,
Ut
mihi
Leucadiae
fata
petantur
aquae
!
Sappho to Phaon AT the sight of this letter written with an anxious hand, will you not instantly know the characters to be mine? Or must even the name of the unhappy writer be added, to prove the person by whom the few lines are sent? You may perhaps wonder why I address you in alternate measures, when lyric numbers so much better suit my genius. But unsuccessful love complains in melancholy notes, and elegy is the most proper for the expression of my woe. No harp can serve to paint my flowing tears. I burn like a ripened field of corn, when driving east-winds spread the catching flames. Phaon honors the distant fields of burning Ætna, while flames fierce as those of Ætna prey upon my heart. I no more take pleasure in forming my numbers to the tuneful strings: music and poetry are the employment of a mind at ease. The dames of Pyrrha, Methymna, and the other cities of Lesbos, please no more. Anactorie and fair Cydno have lost their charms; and Atthis, of late so grateful to my sight; with hundreds of others, once the objects of my guilty love. Faithless man, yo alone engross that heart, formerly shared by many. You are happy in a fine face, and years fit for pleasure and dalliance. O enchanting looks, so fatal to me and my repose! Take the harp and bow, and you will pass with all for Apollo. Adorn your head with wreaths of ivy, and you will appear beautiful as Bacchus. Yet Apollo was enamored of Daphne, and Bacchus of the Cretan maid, though neither of them excelled in lyric measures. To me the Muses dictate the sweetest lays, and the name of Sappho resounds through all nations. Even great Alcæus, the partner of my country and my harp, has not more renown, though he sings in loftier notes. If unfriendly nature has denied me an engaging form, yet the charms of my wit abundantly compensate that deficiency. I am short of stature; yet I have a name that fills the whole earth, and by my own merit have gained this extensive renown. What if I am not fair? Was not even Perseus pleased with Andromede, an Æthiopian dame? Doves of various colours often unite, and the white turtle matches with the shining green. If no charms can gain your heart but such as equal your own, no charms will be ever able to gain Phaon. yet when you read my lays, I then seemed formed to please: you were never enough delighted with my voice, and swore that it became me alone to speak. I remember when wont to sing (for, ah, how vast a memory have lovers!) how you stopped my tongue with kisses; even these you praised: I pleased in all, but more particularly when united with you is the close bonds of love. Then you were fired by my amorous sport; each motion, each glance, each word inflamed you, till, dissolving in tumultuous raptures, gentle faintness surprised our wearied limbs. But now the Sicilian maids take up all your thoughts. Why was I born at Lesbos? Why am I not a native of Sicily? But ah! Sicilian nymphs, beware, and banish from your isle this deceitful wanderer. Be not deceived with the fictions of an insinuating tongue; those faithless vows have all been made to Sappho. You too, Erycina, who range the Sicilian hills, think that I am thine, and pity the sorrows of your poetess. Shall cruel fortune still pursue the same sad tenor, and obstinately persist in heaping woes upon me? Scarcely had I completed my sixth year, when the ashes of a deceased parent drank my tears. My brother next, despising wealth and honor, burned with an ignoble flame, and rashly plunged himself into shameful distresses. Reduced to want, he traversed the blue ocean in a nimble bark, and basely hunted after those riches which he had foolishly lost. My many good counsels he repaid with hatred; such was the reward of my piety and plain-dealing. And, as if fortune had determined to oppress me without ceasing, an infant daughter has been lately added to my cares. Yet adverse fate still pursues me, and sends you, the last and greatest of my woes. Alas! How much is this tempestuous voyage of life agitated by unfriendly gales? My locks no more hang curled in ringlets round my neck; nor do the glowing gems adorn my joints. I am clad in homely weeds; no braids of gold bind the flowing tresses, nor do Arabian unguents breathe their sweet perfumes. For whom shall I adorn myself, unhappy wretch? whom shall I thus study to please? The only object of my tenderness is gone. The light darts of Cupid easily wound my gentle heart; and still there is some cause, why Sappho still should love. Whether the Sisters have so fixed my doom from the birth, and formed my life to the softer ties of Venus; or my manners are fashioned by my studies, and those arts in which I excel; the Muse certainly forms my mind to answer the molting notes of my tongue. What wonder, if my tender age yields to the gentle violence, and those years that recommend to the addresses of men? How was I afraid that Aurora might seise you for her Cephalus? And she would have done it, had she not been detained by her first love. If Cynthia, whose eye extends over all, should chance to fix it upon you, Phaon would be commanded to prolong his sleep. Venus would have borne you off in a chariot of ivory to the skies; but she foresaw that you would no less charm her beloved Mars. O scarcely a youth, and yet not a tender boy; useful age for lovers! O pride and glory of thy age, come to these arms; return, darling of my soul, to my soft embraces. I ask not your love, but that you will kindly receive mine. I write, and, as I write, the starting tears flow from my eyes: see what a number of blots stain this very place. If you were determined to abandon me, it might yet have been done in a kinder way. Was it too much to say, Farewell, my Lesbian maid? You saw none of my tears, you received no parting kisses; nor did I at all apprehend what a load of grief awaited me. You have left nothing with your Sappho but wrongs and woes; nor have carried any pledge with you to renew the memory of our loves. I gave you no charge; nor indeed had I any other charge to give, than that you would be always mindful of me. I swear to you by the God of love, by whom let me never be abandoned, and by the sacred nine, those deities whom I adore, that when first told (I hardly know by whom) that you and all my joys had fled, I had neither the power of speaking nor of weeping; my eyes did not grant me the relief of tears, and my tongue was deprived of all motion; a death-like coldness seized my boding heart: but when impetuous grief at last found a vent, I beat my breast, and rent my scattered locks, raving in all the wildness of furious despair; like a pious mother who bears to the funeral-pile the breathless body of her darling son. My brother Charaxus rejoices at the disaster, and barbarously triumphs in my griefs: his hated image is ever before my eyes; and, to reproach me with the shameful cause, he asks, Why all this sadness? Your daughter still lives. Love and shame are ever inconsistent. With garments torn, and my bosom bare, I proclaim to all the world my guilt. You, Phaon, take up all my thoughts; my care by day, and the nightly object of my dreams; dreams that charm more than the brightest day. In these I find you, though fled to remote regions; but, alas! the joys of sleep are vain and short-lived. Oft you seem to wind your arms round my yielding neck. Oft my arms fondly encircle thine. I soothe and address you in softest words, and my mouth is prompt to utter the language of my heart. I seem to give and take endearing kisses; and yield to joys which I blush to mention, while yet I must confess how much they please. But when the rising sun spreads his light over all; as if once more deserted, I complain that sleep has fled so soon. I retire to the caves and groves, as if caves and groves could yield relief; and fondly court the haunts that have witnessed your dear embraces. Thither I run, my hair loose and disheveled, like those who are infatuated by some powerful sorceress. There I behold the caves beset with rugged cliffs, that to me were more pleasant than the finest Phrygian marble. I find the grove that hath often afforded us a flowery bed, and sheltered us from the heat by its spreading leaves. But I no more find him with whom I haunted these beloved shades: they now can please no more; for to him they owed all their charms. I view the pressed grass on which we have reposed our wearied limbs, where the bending turf retains the print of our double weight. i kiss the earth pressed by your lovely limbs, and bedew with tears the grateful herbs. For thee the trees, dropping their leaves, seem to mourn, and the tuneful birds deny their songs. The Phocian bind alone, that disconsolate mother, who took so cruel a revenge on her Thracian lord, mourns the hard fate of Itys. The nightingale mourns the fate of Itys; Sappho laments that she is deserted by Phaon. All else is silent, and involved in the shades of night. A spring there is, whose waters run clear and transparent as crystal: here, as many think, a deity resides. Above, a flowery lotos spreads its shading branches, and seems itself a grove: the banks around are edged with eternal green. Here, while, after an effusion of tears, I rested my wearied limbs, a Naiad suddenly stood before my eyes. She stood, and said, O you who burn with an ill-requited flame, fly to the Acarnanian shore. Apollo from an impending rock surveys the extended ocean below, which is called, by the inhabitants, the sea of Actium and Leucate: hence Deucalion, inflamed with the hopeless love of Pyrrha, plunged himself unhurt into the main. Forthwith love changing, possessed the obstinate heart of Pyrrha; and Deucalion was freed from his flame. Such is the law of the place. Haste then, throw yourself from high Leucadia, nor dread the threatening steep. She spoke, and disappeared with the voice. I rose amazed, and my dim eyes overflowed with tears. I go, O nymph, to prove these healing rocks; fear recedes, borne down by powerful love. My fate, whatever it is, will be milder than at present. Blow up, gentle gales, beneath my falling body, and lay me softly on the swelling waves. And thou too, gentle Love, bear up my sinking limbs with out-spread wings; and let not Sappho's death profane the guiltless Leucadian flood. I will then hang up my lyre to Phœbus, and under it write this inscription: Grateful Sappho consecrates her harp to Phœbus; a gift that suits both the giver and the God. But why, relentless youth, do you drive me to distant coasts, when you can so easily cure me by your return? Your charms are more powerful than the Leucadian waves; and your merit and beauty make you a Phœbus to me. Can you bear, O more hard-hearted than the rocks and waves, to be reputed the cause of my untimely death? Would'st thou rather see this breast dashed on pointed rocks, than pressed to thine? this breast, which you, Phaon, have so often praised as the seat of love and genius. But now genius is no more; grief checks my thoughts, and the edge of my wit is blunted by my misfortunes. My wonted strength no more furnishes the flowing lines; my lute is silent, and the sounding notes sink under a weight of woe. Ye Lesbian virgins and dames, so often celebrated by the Æolian lyre; Lesbians, the objects of my guilty love; cease to hope that I will more touch the sounding harp. Phaon is gone, and with him all my joys have vanished. Unhappy wretch, I had almost called him mine. Make him return; no more shall you complain of the absence of your poetess; it is he, he only, that inspires or quenches the poetic flame. Can prayers avail nothing? Is your savage breast proof against all tender feelings? or have the flying Zephyrs lost my words in air? O that the winds which bear away my words, would bring back your welcome sails! It is what, if you are wise for yourself, you ought now, though late, to hasten. Or are you already on the way, and are sacrifices offered for your safety? Why do you tear my heart with cruel delays? Spread your sails: the sea-born Goddess will smooth the waves, and prosperous gales speed your course. Only weigh anchor, and set sail. Cupid himself, sitting at the helm, will govern the bark; he with a skilful hand will unfold and gather in the sails. Or do you choose to fly from unhappy Sappho? Alas! what have I done to be thus the object of your aversion? At least inform me of this by a few cruel lines, that I may plunge myself, with all my miseries, amidst the Leucadian waves.
16
Paris
Helenae
Hanc
tibi
Priamides
mitto
,
Ledaea
,
salutem
,
Quae
tribui
sola
te
mihi
dante
potest
.
Eloquar
,
an
flammae
non
est
opus
indice
notae
,
Et
plus
quam
vellem
iam
meus
extat
amor
?
Ille
quidem
lateat
malim
,
dum
tempora
dentur
Laetitiae
mixtos
non
habitura
metus
,
Sed
male
dissimulo
;
quis
enim
celaverit
ignem
,
Lumine
qui
semper
proditur
ipse
suo
?
Si
tamen
expectas
,
vocem
quoque
rebus
ut
addam
Uror
!
habes
animi
nuntia
verba
mei
.
Parce
,
precor
,
fasso
,
nec
vultu
cetera
duro
Perlege
,
sed
formae
conveniente
tuae
.
Iamdudum
gratum
est
,
quod
epistula
nostra
recepta
Spem
facit
,
hoc
recipi
me
quoque
posse
modo
.
Quae
rata
sit
,
nec
te
frustra
promiserit
,
opto
,
Hoc
mihi
quae
suasit
,
mater
Amoris
,
iter
;
Namque
ego
divino
monitu
ne
nescia
pecces
Advehor
,
et
coepto
non
leve
numen
adest
.
Praemia
magna
quidem
,
sed
non
indebita
,
posco
;
Pollicita
est
thalamo
te
Cytherea
meo
.
Hac
duce
Sigeo
dubias
a
litore
feci
Longa
Phereclea
per
freta
puppe
vias
.
Illa
dedit
faciles
auras
ventosque
secundos
In
mare
nimirum
ius
habet
orta
mari
.
Perstet
et
ut
pelagi
,
sic
pectoris
adiuvet
aestum
;
Deferat
in
portus
et
mea
vota
suos
.
Attulimus
flammas
,
non
hic
invenimus
,
illas
.
Hae
mihi
tam
longae
causa
fuere
viae
,
Nam
neque
tristis
hiemps
neque
nos
huc
appulit
error
;
Taenaris
est
classi
terra
petita
meae
.
Nec
me
crede
fretum
merces
portante
carina
Findere
quas
habeo
,
di
tueantur
opes
!
Nec
venio
Graias
veluti
spectator
ad
urbes
Oppida
sunt
regni
divitiora
mei
.
Te
peto
,
quam
pepigit
lecto
Venus
aurea
nostro
;
Te
prius
optavi
,
quam
mihi
nota
fores
.
Ante
tuos
animo
vidi
quam
lumine
vultus
;
Prima
tulit
vulnus
nuntia
fama
tui
.
Nec
tamen
est
mirum
,
si
sic
cum
polleat
arcus
,
Missilibus
telis
eminus
ictus
amo
.
Sic
placuit
fatis
;
quae
ne
convellere
temptes
,
Accipe
cum
vera
dicta
relata
fide
.
Matris
adhuc
utero
partu
remorante
tenebar
;
Iam
gravidus
iusto
pondere
venter
erat
.
Illa
sibi
ingentem
visa
est
sub
imagine
somni
Flammiferam
pleno
reddere
ventre
facem
.
Territa
consurgit
metuendaque
noctis
opacae
Visa
seni
Priamo
;
vatibus
ille
refert
.
Arsurum
Paridis
vates
canit
Ilion
igni
Pectoris
,
ut
nunc
est
,
fax
fuit
illa
mei
!
Forma
vigorque
animi
,
quamvis
de
plebe
videbar
,
Indicium
tectae
nobilitatis
erat
.
Est
locus
in
mediis
nemorosae
vallibus
Idae
Devius
et
piceis
ilicibusque
frequens
,
Qui
nec
ovis
placidae
nec
amantis
saxa
capellae
Nec
patulo
tardae
carpitur
ore
bovis
.
Hinc
ego
Dardaniae
muros
excelsaque
tecta
Et
freta
prospiciens
arbore
nixus
eram
Ecce
!
pedum
pulsu
visa
est
mihi
terra
moveri
Vera
loquar
veri
vix
habitura
fidem
Constitit
ante
oculos
actus
velocibus
alis
Atlantis
magni
Pleionesque
nepos
Fas
vidisse
fuit
,
fas
sit
mihi
visa
referre
! —
Inque
dei
digitis
aurea
virga
fuit
;
Tresque
simul
divae
,
Venus
et
cum
Pallade
Iuno
,
Graminibus
teneros
inposuere
pedes
.
Obstipui
,
gelidusque
comas
erexerat
horror
,
Cum
mihi
'
pone
metum
!'
nuntius
ales
ait
, '
Arbiter
es
formae
;
certamina
siste
dearum
;
Vincere
quae
forma
digna
sit
una
duas
!'
Neve
recusarem
,
verbis
Iovis
imperat
et
se
Protinus
aetheria
tollit
in
astra
via
.
Mens
mea
convaluit
,
subitoque
audacia
venit
,
Nec
timui
vultu
quamque
notare
meo
.
Vincere
erant
omnes
dignae
iudexque
querebar
Non
omnes
causam
posse
tenere
suam
.
Sed
tamen
ex
illis
iam
tunc
magis
una
placebat
,
Hanc
esse
ut
scires
,
unde
movetur
amor
.
Tantaque
vincendi
cura
est
;
ingentibus
ardent
Iudicium
donis
sollicitare
meum
.
Regna
Iovis
coniunx
,
virtutem
filia
iactat
;
Ipse
potens
dubito
fortis
an
esse
velim
.
Dulce
Venus
risit
; '
nec
te
,
Pari
,
munera
tangant
Utraque
suspensi
plena
timoris
!'
ait
; '
Nos
dabimus
,
quod
ames
,
et
pulchrae
filia
Ledae
Ibit
in
amplexus
pulchrior
illa
tuos
!'
Dixit
,
et
ex
aequo
donis
formaque
probatis
Victorem
caelo
rettulit
illa
pedem
.
Interea
credo
versis
ad
prospera
fatis
Regius
adgnoscor
per
rata
signa
puer
.
Laeta
domus
nato
post
tempora
longa
recepto
est
,
Addit
et
ad
festos
hunc
quoque
Troia
diem
.
Utque
ego
te
cupio
,
sic
me
cupiere
puellae
;
Multarum
votum
sola
tenere
potes
!
Nec
tantum
regum
natae
petiere
ducumque
,
Sed
nymphis
etiam
curaque
amorque
fui
.
Quam
super
Oenones
faciem
mirarer
?
in
orbe
Nec
Priamo
est
a
te
dignior
ulla
nurus
.
Sed
mihi
cunctarum
subeunt
fastidia
,
postquam
Coniugii
spes
est
,
Tyndari
,
facta
tui
.
Te
vigilans
oculis
,
animo
te
nocte
videbam
,
Lumina
cum
placido
victa
sopore
iacent
.
Quid
facies
praesens
,
quae
nondum
visa
placebas
?
Ardebam
,
quamvis
hic
procul
ignis
erat
,
Nec
potui
debere
mihi
spem
longius
istam
,
Caerulea
peterem
quin
mea
vota
via
.
Troica
caeduntur
Phrygia
pineta
securi
Quaeque
erat
aequoreis
utilis
arbor
aquis
;
Ardua
proceris
spoliantur
Gargara
silvis
,
Innumerasque
mihi
longa
dat
Ida
trabes
.
Fundatura
citas
flectuntur
robora
naves
,
Texitur
et
costis
panda
carina
suis
.
Addimus
antennas
et
vela
sequentia
malo
;
Accipit
et
pictos
puppis
adunca
deos
;
Qua
tamen
ipse
vehor
,
comitata
Cupidine
parvo
Sponsor
coniugii
stat
dea
picta
tui
.
Inposita
est
factae
postquam
manus
ultima
classi
,
Protinus
Aegaeis
ire
lubebat
aquis
At
pater
et
genetrix
inhibent
mea
vota
rogando
Propositumque
pia
voce
morantur
iter
;
Et
soror
,
effusis
ut
erat
,
Cassandra
,
capillis
,
Cum
vellent
nostrae
iam
dare
vela
rates
, '
Quo
ruis
?'
exclamat
, '
referes
incendia
tecum
!
Quanta
per
has
nescis
flamma
petatur
aquas
!'
Vera
fuit
vates
;
dictos
invenimus
ignes
,
Et
ferus
in
molli
pectore
flagrat
amor
!
Portubus
egredior
,
ventisque
ferentibus
usus
Applicor
in
terras
,
Oebali
nympha
,
tuas
.
Excipit
hospitio
vir
me
tuus
hoc
quoque
factum
Non
sine
consilio
numinibusque
deum
!
Ille
quidem
ostendit
,
quidquid
Lacedaemone
tota
Ostendi
dignum
conspicuumque
fuit
;
Sed
mihi
laudatam
cupienti
cernere
formam
Lumina
nil
aliud
quo
caperentur
erat
.
Ut
vidi
,
obstipui
praecordiaque
intima
sensi
Attonitus
curis
intumuisse
novis
.
His
similes
vultus
,
quantum
reminiscor
,
habebat
Venit
in
arbitrium
cum
Cytherea
meum
.
Si
tu
venisses
pariter
certamen
in
illud
,
In
dubio
Veneris
palma
futura
fuit
!
Magna
quidem
de
te
rumor
praeconia
fecit
,
Nullaque
de
facie
nescia
terra
tua
est
;
Nec
tibi
par
usquam
Phrygia
nec
solis
ab
ortu
Inter
formosas
altera
nomen
habet
!
Crede
sed
hoc
nobis
! —
minor
est
tua
gloria
vero
,
Famaque
de
forma
paene
maligna
tua
est
;
Plus
hic
invenio
,
quam
quod
promiserat
illa
,
Et
tua
materia
gloria
victa
sua
est
.
Ergo
arsit
merito
,
qui
noverat
omnia
,
Theseus
,
Et
visa
es
tanto
digna
rapina
viro
,
More
tuae
gentis
nitida
dum
nuda
palaestra
Ludis
et
es
nudis
femina
mixta
viris
.
Quod
rapuit
,
laudo
;
miror
,
quod
reddidit
umquam
.
Tam
bona
constanter
praeda
tenenda
fuit
.
Ante
recessisset
caput
hoc
cervice
cruenta
,
Quam
tu
de
thalamis
abstraherere
meis
.
Tene
manus
umquam
nostrae
dimittere
vellent
?
Tene
meo
paterer
vivus
abire
sinu
?
Si
reddenda
fores
,
aliquid
tamen
ante
tulissem
,
Nec
Venus
ex
toto
nostra
fuisset
iners
.
Vel
mihi
virginitas
esset
libata
,
vel
illud
Quod
poterat
salva
virginitate
rapi
.
Da
modo
te
,
quae
sit
Paridis
constantia
,
nosces
;
Flamma
rogi
flammas
finiet
una
meas
.
Praeposui
regnis
ego
te
,
quae
maxima
quondam
Pollicita
est
nobis
nupta
sororque
Iovis
;
Dumque
tuo
possem
circumdare
bracchia
collo
,
Contempta
est
virtus
Pallade
dante
mihi
.
Nec
piget
,
aut
umquam
stulte
legisse
videbor
;
Permanet
in
voto
mens
mea
firma
suo
.
Spem
modo
ne
nostram
fieri
patiare
caducam
,
Deprecor
,
o
tanto
digna
labore
peti
!
Non
ego
coniugium
generosae
degener
opto
,
Nec
mea
,
crede
mihi
,
turpiter
uxor
eris
.
Pliada
,
si
quaeres
,
in
nostra
gente
Iovemque
Invenies
,
medios
ut
taceamus
avos
;
Regna
parens
Asiae
,
qua
nulla
beatior
ora
est
,
Finibus
inmensis
vix
obeunda
,
tenet
.
Innumeras
urbes
atque
aurea
tecta
videbis
,
Quaeque
suos
dicas
templa
decere
deos
.
Ilion
adspicies
firmataque
turribus
altis
Moenia
,
Phoebeae
structa
canore
lyrae
.
Quid
tibi
de
turba
narrem
numeroque
virorum
?
Vix
populum
tellus
sustinet
illa
suum
.
Occurrent
denso
tibi
Troades
agmine
matres
,
Nec
capient
Phrygias
atria
nostra
nurus
.
O
quotiens
dices
: '
quam
pauper
Achaia
nostra
est
!'
Una
domus
quaevis
urbis
habebit
opes
.
Nec
mihi
fas
fuerit
Sparten
contemnere
vestram
;
In
qua
tu
nata
es
,
terra
beata
mihi
est
.
Parca
sed
est
Sparte
,
tu
cultu
divite
digna
;
Ad
talem
formam
non
facit
iste
locus
.
Hanc
faciem
largis
sine
fine
paratibus
uti
Deliciisque
decet
luxuriare
novis
.
Cum
videas
cultus
nostra
de
gente
virorum
,
Qualem
Dardanias
credis
habere
nurus
?
Da
modo
te
facilem
,
nec
dedignare
maritum
,
Rure
Therapnaeo
nata
puella
,
Phrygem
.
Phryx
erat
et
nostro
genitus
de
sanguine
,
qui
nunc
Cum
dis
potando
nectare
miscet
aquas
.
Phryx
erat
Aurorae
coniunx
,
tamen
abstulit
illum
Extremum
noctis
quae
dea
finit
iter
.
Phryx
etiam
Anchises
,
volucrum
cui
mater
Amorum
Gaudet
in
Idaeis
concubuisse
iugis
.
Nec
,
puto
,
conlatis
forma
Menelaus
et
annis
Iudice
te
nobis
anteferendus
erit
.
Non
dabimus
certe
socerum
tibi
clara
fugantem
Lumina
,
qui
trepidos
a
dape
vertat
equos
;
Nec
Priamo
pater
est
soceri
de
caede
cruentus
Et
qui
Myrtoas
crimine
signat
aquas
;
Nec
proavo
Stygia
nostro
captantur
in
unda
Poma
,
nec
in
mediis
quaeritur
umor
aquis
.
Quid
tamen
hoc
refert
,
si
te
tenet
ortus
ab
illis
,
Cogitur
huic
domui
Iuppiter
esse
socer
?
Heu
facinus
!
totis
indignus
noctibus
ille
Te
tenet
,
amplexu
perfruiturque
tuo
;
At
mihi
conspiceris
posita
vix
denique
mensa
,
Multaque
quae
laedant
hoc
quoque
tempus
habet
.
Hostibus
eveniant
convivia
talia
nostris
,
Experior
posito
qualia
saepe
mero
!
Paenitet
hospitii
,
cum
me
spectante
lacertos
Inponit
collo
rusticus
iste
tuo
.
Rumpor
et
invidia
quid
enim
non
omnia
narrem
? —
Membra
superiecta
cum
tua
veste
fovet
.
Oscula
cum
vero
coram
non
dura
daretis
,
Ante
oculos
posui
pocula
sumpta
meos
;
Lumina
demitto
cum
te
tenet
artius
ille
,
Crescit
et
invito
lentus
in
ore
cibus
.
Saepe
dedi
gemitus
;
et
te
lasciva
! —
notavi
In
gemitu
risum
non
tenuisse
meo
.
Saepe
mero
volui
flammam
compescere
,
at
illa
Crevit
,
et
ebrietas
ignis
in
igne
fuit
,
Multaque
ne
videam
,
versa
cervice
recumbo
;
Sed
revocas
oculos
protinus
ipsa
meos
.
Quid
faciam
,
dubito
;
dolor
est
meus
illa
videre
,
Sed
dolor
a
facie
maior
abesse
tua
.
Qua
licet
et
possum
,
luctor
celare
furorem
;
Sed
tamen
apparet
dissimulatus
amor
.
Nec
tibi
verba
damus
;
sentis
mea
vulnera
,
sentis
!
Atque
utinam
soli
sint
ea
nota
tibi
!
A
,
quotiens
lacrimis
venientibus
ora
reflexi
,
Ne
causam
fletus
quaereret
ille
mei
!
A
,
quotiens
aliquem
narravi
potus
amorem
,
Ad
vulnus
referens
singula
verba
meum
,
Indiciumque
mei
ficto
sub
nomine
feci
!
Ille
ego
,
si
nescis
,
verus
amator
eram
.
Quin
etiam
,
ut
possem
verbis
petulantius
uti
,
Non
semel
ebrietas
est
simulata
mihi
.
Prodita
sunt
,
memini
,
tunica
tua
pectora
laxa
Atque
oculis
aditum
nuda
dedere
meis
Pectora
vel
puris
nivibus
vel
lacte
tuamve
Complexo
matrem
candidiora
Iove
.
Dum
stupeo
visis
nam
pocula
forte
tenebam
Tortilis
a
digitis
excidit
ansa
meis
.
Oscula
si
natae
dederas
,
ego
protinus
illa
Hermiones
tenero
laetus
ab
ore
tuli
.
Et
modo
cantabam
veteres
resupinus
amores
,
Et
modo
per
nutum
signa
tegenda
dabam
.
Et
comitum
primas
,
Clymenen
Aethramque
,
tuarum
Ausus
sum
blandis
nuper
adire
sonis
,
Quae
mihi
non
aliud
,
quam
formidare
,
locutae
Orantis
medias
deseruere
preces
.
Di
facerent
,
pretium
magni
certaminis
esses
,
Teque
suo
posset
victor
habere
toro
! —
Ut
tulit
Hippomenes
Schoeneida
praemia
cursus
,
Venit
ut
in
Phrygios
Hippodamia
sinus
,
Ut
ferus
Alcides
Acheloia
cornua
fregit
,
Dum
petit
amplexus
,
Deianira
,
tuos
.
Nostra
per
has
leges
audacia
fortiter
isset
,
Teque
mei
scires
esse
laboris
opus
.
Nunc
mihi
nil
superest
nisi
te
,
formosa
,
precari
,
Amplectique
tuos
,
si
patiare
,
pedes
.
O
decus
,
o
praesens
geminorum
gloria
fratrum
,
O
Iove
digna
viro
,
ni
Iove
nata
fores
,
Aut
ego
Sigeos
repetam
te
coniuge
portus
,
Aut
hic
Taenaria
contegar
exul
humo
!
Non
mea
sunt
summa
leviter
destricta
sagitta
Pectora
;
descendit
vulnus
ad
ossa
meum
!
Hoc
mihi
nam
repeto
fore
,
ut
a
caeleste
sagitta
Figar
,
erat
verax
vaticinata
soror
.
Parce
datum
fatis
,
Helene
,
contemnere
amorem
Sic
habeas
faciles
in
tua
vota
deos
!
Multa
quidem
subeunt
;
sed
coram
ut
plura
loquamur
,
Excipe
me
lecto
nocte
silente
tuo
.
An
pudet
et
metuis
Venerem
temerare
maritam
Castaque
legitimi
fallere
iura
tori
?
A
,
nimium
simplex
Helene
,
ne
rustica
dicam
,
Hanc
faciem
culpa
posse
carere
putas
?
Aut
faciem
mutes
aut
sis
non
dura
,
necesse
est
;
Lis
est
cum
forma
magna
pudicitiae
.
Iuppiter
his
gaudet
,
gaudet
Venus
aurea
furtis
;
Haec
tibi
nempe
patrem
furta
dedere
Iovem
.
Vix
fieri
,
si
sunt
vires
in
semine
morum
,
Et
Iovis
et
Ledae
filia
casta
potest
.
Casta
tamen
tum
sis
,
cum
te
mea
Troia
tenebit
,
Et
tua
sim
,
quaeso
,
crimina
solus
ego
.
Nunc
ea
peccemus
quae
corriget
hora
iugalis
,
Si
modo
promisit
non
mihi
vana
Venus
!
Ipse
tibi
hoc
suadet
rebus
,
non
voce
,
maritus
,
Neve
sui
furtis
hospitis
obstet
,
abest
.
Non
habuit
tempus
,
quo
Cresia
regna
videret
,
Aptius
o
mira
calliditate
virum
! '
Res
,
et
ut
Idaei
mando
tibi
,'
dixit
iturus
, '
Curam
pro
nobis
hospitis
,
uxor
,
agas
.'
Neclegis
absentis
,
testor
,
mandata
mariti
!
Cura
tibi
non
est
hospitis
ulla
tui
.
Huncine
tu
speras
,
hominem
sine
pectore
,
dotes
Posse
satis
formae
,
Tyndari
,
nosse
tuae
?
Falleris
ignorat
;
nec
,
si
bona
magna
putaret
,
Quae
tenet
,
externo
crederet
illa
viro
.
Ut
te
nec
mea
vox
nec
te
meus
incitet
ardor
,
Cogimur
ipsius
commoditate
frui
Aut
erimus
stulti
,
sic
ut
superemus
et
ipsum
,
Si
tam
securum
tempus
abibit
iners
.
Paene
suis
ad
te
manibus
deducit
amantem
;
Utere
mandantis
simplicitate
viri
!
Sola
iaces
viduo
tam
longa
nocte
cubili
;
In
viduo
iaceo
solus
et
ipse
toro
.
Te
mihi
meque
tibi
communia
gaudia
iungant
;
Candidior
medio
nox
erit
illa
die
.
Tunc
ego
iurabo
quaevis
tibi
numina
meque
Adstringam
verbis
in
sacra
vestra
meis
;
Tunc
ego
,
si
non
est
fallax
fiducia
nostri
,
Efficiam
praesens
,
ut
mea
regna
petas
.
Si
pudet
et
metuis
ne
me
videare
secuta
,
Ipse
reus
sine
te
criminis
huius
ero
;
Nam
sequar
Aegidae
factum
fratrumque
tuorum
.
Exemplo
tangi
non
propiore
potes
.
Te
rapuit
Theseus
,
geminas
Leucippidas
illi
;
Quartus
in
exemplis
adnumerabor
ego
.
Troica
classis
adest
armis
instructa
virisque
;
Iam
facient
celeres
remus
et
aura
vias
.
Ibis
Dardanias
ingens
regina
per
urbes
,
Teque
novam
credet
vulgus
adesse
deam
,
Quaque
feres
gressus
,
adolebunt
cinnama
flammae
,
Caesaque
sanguineam
victima
planget
humum
.
Dona
pater
fratresque
et
cum
genetrice
sorores
Iliadesque
omnes
totaque
Troia
dabit
.
Ei
mihi
!
pars
a
me
vix
dicitur
ulla
futuri
.
Plura
feres
,
quam
quae
littera
nostra
refert
.
Nec
tu
rapta
time
,
ne
nos
fera
bella
sequantur
,
Concitet
et
vires
Graecia
magna
suas
.
Tot
prius
abductis
ecqua
est
repetita
per
arma
?
Crede
mihi
,
vanos
res
habet
ista
metus
.
Nomine
ceperunt
Aquilonis
Erechthida
Thraces
,
Et
tuta
a
bello
Bistonis
ora
fuit
;
Phasida
puppe
nova
vexit
Pagasaeus
Iason
,
Laesa
neque
est
Colcha
Thessala
terra
manu
.
Te
quoque
qui
rapuit
,
rapuit
Minoida
Theseus
;
Nulla
tamen
Minos
Cretas
ad
arma
vocat
.
Terror
in
his
ipso
maior
solet
esse
periclo
,
Quaeque
timere
licet
,
pertimuisse
pudet
.
Finge
tamen
,
si
vis
,
ingens
consurgere
bellum
Et
mihi
sunt
vires
,
et
mea
tela
nocent
.
Nec
minor
est
Asiae
quam
vestrae
copia
terrae
;
Illa
viris
dives
,
dives
abundat
equis
.
Nec
plus
Atrides
animi
Menelaus
habebit
Quam
Paris
aut
armis
anteferendus
erit
.
Paene
puer
caesis
abducta
armenta
recepi
,
Hostibus
et
causam
nominis
inde
tuli
;
Paene
puer
iuvenes
vario
certamine
vici
,
In
quibus
Ilioneus
Deiphobusque
fuit
;
Neve
putes
,
non
me
nisi
comminus
esse
timendum
,
Figitur
in
iusso
nostra
sagitta
loco
.
Num
potes
haec
illi
primae
dare
facta
iuventae
?
Instruere
Atriden
num
potes
arte
mea
?
Omnia
si
dederis
,
numquid
dabis
Hectora
fratrem
?
Unus
is
innumeri
militis
instar
erit
!
Quid
valeam
nescis
,
et
te
mea
robora
fallunt
;
Ignoras
,
cui
sis
nupta
futura
viro
.
Aut
igitur
nullo
belli
repetere
tumultu
,
Aut
cedent
Marti
Dorica
castra
meo
.
Nec
tamen
indigner
pro
tanta
sumere
ferrum
Coniuge
.
certamen
praemia
magna
movent
.
Tu
quoque
,
si
de
te
totus
contenderit
orbis
,
Nomen
ab
aeterna
posteritate
feres
Spe
modo
non
timida
dis
hinc
egressa
secundis
;
Exige
cum
plena
munera
pacta
fide
.
Paris to Helen PARIS, the son of Priam, sends health to helen; that health, which he can himself no otherwise enjoy, than as it is your gift. Shall I then speak? or is it unnecessary to inform you of a passion that betrays itself? Has not my love already laid itself too open? I could indeed wish it to lie conceaied, till the time comes when we can taste of joys unallayed by any mixture of fear. But it is in vain that I dissemble; for who can smother a flame that always discovers itself by its own brightness? If yet you expect that my tongue should confirm what my actions have so long declared,— I burn. This message brings you the true sense of my heart. Forgive this kind confession; and do not peruse what remains with a severe look, but with one that best becomes your heavenly form. Already it gives me pleasure to think that my letter is well received; for this creates a hope that I may also meet with the same kind entertainment. Heaven grant that my hopes may be confirmed, and that the queen of love, who urged me to this voyage, may not have promised in vain. For, that you may not offend through ignorance, know that I came hither by a divine admonition, and that one, not the meanest of the divine powers, favors my design. The prize I seek indeed is great, yet what I may justly claim; for Venus promised you, fair as you are, to my bed. Guided by her, I abandoned the Sigean shore, ventured upon a doubtful fate, and did not decline to plough the pathless deep in the Phereclean bark. She commanded a gentle breeze, and stretched the canvass with auspicious gales; for, having sprung from the teeming deep, she still retains her empire over the main. May she still persevere; and, as she calms the sea, so may she calm the tempest that rages in my breast, and bring home all my vows and sighs to their desired port. My flames I brought with me; for I did not first find them here. They were the cause of my undertaking so long a voyage: for no threatening storm or mistaken course drove us hither; my fleet was designed from the first for the coast of Laconia. Nor fancy that I plough the waves in a ship laden with merchandise: the Gods have already blessed me with ample wealth. Nor came I so far to view and admire the cities of Greece; my own kingdom is filled with richer towns. It is you that I seek, whom beautiful Venus promised to my embraces; I wished for the enjoyment of your love, even before I was acquainted with your charms. Long before my eyes beheld you, I had formed an image of you in my mind; for fame was the first messenger of your beauty. Nor is it so great a wonder, that, pierced by the swift-winged arrow at such a distance, I offer you my heart. So the Fates have ordained; which that you may not strive to resist, attend to a relation that carries in it nothing but truth. I was yet enclosed in the womb of my mother, now pregnant with a burthen almost struggling for birth. She in a mysterious dream seemed to herself to be delivered of a burning torch. She was frighted, and related to priam the tremendous visions of the gloomy might: he consulted the sacred seers. The prophet foretold, that the flames of the ruined Troy were portended by the threatening torch; but surely Fate meant the flames that now rage in my breast. Though exposed among shepherds, yet my form and native greatness spoke the nobility of my birth. In the thickest groves of Ida there is a place remarkably retired, and shaded with oaks and pitch-trees. The grass, upon this spot, is not touched by the bleating sheep, the goat delighting in rocks and cliffs, or the laborious ox. As here I stood leaning upon a tree, and beholding from afar the walls, lofty towers, and winding bays of Troy, lo, suddenly, the ground seemed to be shaken with the tread of feet. I speak the truth; yet scarcely will it be able to gain the credit due to truth. The grandson of great Atlas and Pleione, borne through the air on nimble wings, stood before my eyes. As I was permitted to see, so may it be allowed me to relate what I have seen. The God stood, and in his sacred hand was a golden rod: three Goddesses too, Venus, Juno, and Pallas, gently pressed the grass with their tender feet. I stood amazed, and a chilling horror raised my hair in bristles; when the winged messenger thus addressed me: "Banish fear; you are appointed the judge of beauty; settle therefore the contests of the Goddesses, and name one who must claim the prize of beauty from the other two." And, that I might not decline the task, he laid his commands upon me in the name of Jupiter, and then mounted aloft through the aerial way. My mind seemed to gather strength, and I was conscious of an unusual boldness; nor did I fear to fix my eyes upon each of them with attention. They all seemed worthy of the victory; and I, their judge, was grieved to think, that all could not equally carry off the prize. yet even then there was one that pleased me more: insomuch, that it was easy to discover in her mien and air the Queen of Love. So strong was the contention for superiority, that they began to solicit my favor by bribes. The wife of Jove offered me a kingdom, Pallas prudence and valour, whilst I myself could not resolve to which to give the preference: but Venus, sweetly smiling, said, "Let not gifts like these, Paris, sway you; for both are full of fears and anxieties. I will give you to taste of the pleasures of love; and fair Leda's yet fairer daughter shall receive your fond caresses." Thus attractively she spoke; and, equally powerful by her gifts and beauty, returned to heaven with victorious pace. In the mean time, (the Fates beginning to be now more propitious,) I am known by undoubted signs to be the son of royal Priam. The court is over- joyed to recover a son who had so long been lost; and grateful Troy adds this day also to her festivals. And, as I now languish for you, so did the beauties of Troy for me: you alone reign over my heart, for which many sighed in vain. Nor was I only desired by the daughters of kings and heroes: I was also the darling and care of heaven-born Nymphs. But all these, Tyndaris, met with a return of cold disdain, when the hopes of your embrace had fired my breast. All the day fancy placed you before my eyes; at night too, when my eyes were sealed by gentle sleep, you stood before me in my dreams. What surprise then must your presence give, whose absent image so far occupied my thoughts? I was consumed with the flame, though it scorched at so great a distance. Nor was I able to restrain my ardent hopes from seeking the desired object through the blue ocean. The stately Trojan pines were cut down with a Phrygian axe, and every tree that was fittest to plough the yielding deep. The steep Gargarean summits were despoiled of their lofty woods; and spacious Ida furnished me with the finest planks. Stiff oaks were bent to form the doubling hold, and the rising sides were knit with jointed ribs. Sails and sail-yards were added to the lofty masts; and the bending stern was adorned with painted Gods. On my own ship stood the Goddess, who promised to make me happy in your embraces; accompanied by her little son Cupid. The fleet being thus completely prepared, I longed to traverse the wide Ægean sea. My father and mother opposed their entreaties to my desires, and with pious requests withstood my intended voyage. Cassandra too, my sister, with loose and disordered locks, just as the ships were ready to set sail, ex-claimed, Whither do you hurry without thought, to bring back fire and destruction? Alas! you little think what raging flames threaten us from beyond these seas. True were her predictions: I have felt the threatened fires; tyrannic love rages in my yielding breast. Yet I set sail, and, urged by propitious gales, arrived, fairest nymph, on your native coasts. There I was kindly entertained by your husband; and this did not happen without the concurrence and contrivance of the Gods. He shewed me every thing that was remarkable or worth notice in Lacedæmon: but in vain these objects solicited the attention of one, who was wholly possessed with the desire of beholding your celebrated beauty. I saw, and stood amazed: stricken to the inmost soul with your charms, I felt my heart well with new cares. Such was Venus, so far as I can remember, when she descended from heaven, to submit to my decision. If you had also come to bear a part in that contest, even Venus could have scarcely pretended to the prize. Fame indeed has so diffused the report of your beauty, that no country is a stranger to your charms. Not even Phrygia can boast of your equal; nor, from the rising to the setting sun, is there one to rival you. Believe me when I tell you, that your fame comes far short of the truth; for even report has invidiously denied the share of praise due to your charms. I found you greatly to exceed what that had given ground to hope, and that your fame in every thing fell below your merit. Well therefore might Theseus, who knew all, feel the power of so many charms, and think you a prey worthy of so great a hero; when, after the manner of your country, you contended in the wrestling-ring, and disputed with the other sex the prize of manly exercise. I commend the bold theft, but wonder how he ever could restore you: so inestimable a prize ought always to have been retained. Sooner should this head have been severed from the bloody neck, than any one be suffered to tear you from my embraces. Would ever this right-hand have permitted you to be carried off? Could I, while ought of life remained, have tamely seen you ravished from my bosom? If necessity had compelled me, yet I would not have left you before I had received some pledge of your love, some earnest of the strength of our mutual flame. I would have tasted of your virgin charms, or, if that bliss had been denied, have ravished a thousand kisses. Fly then to my arms, and try the firmness and constancy of Paris. The funeral flames alone shall extinguish the flames that rage in my breast. I preferred you to a kingdom, once offered by the sister and the wife of Jove. Even prudence and valor, the gifts of Pallas, were postponed to the sweet pleasure of throwing my arms round your neck. Nor do I repent, or charge myself with having made a foolish choice: my mind continues firm in its first resolve. You only, to obtain whom no labor can appear great, do not, O do not suffer my hopes to vanish into air. I am not one whose birth will disgrace the noble line of his spouse; not is it beneath your dignity to be wedded to Paris. The Pleiades, and great Jove himself, ennoble my pedigree; not to mention the long race of succeeding kings. My father sways the sceptre of Asia, a kingdom rich and fertile, whose ample bounds stretch as far as the rising sun. There you will behold innumerable cities, houses roofed with gold, and temples becoming the Gods to whom they belong. You will see Ilion and its walls strengthened with lofty towers, all built to the harmony of Apollo's lyre. Why should I mention the vast multitudes of people? the country is scarcely able to sustain its inhabitants. The Trojan matrons will meet you in troops; nor will our halls accommodate the concourse of Phrygian dames. How often will you say, What a poor naked country is Greece; and that one Phrygian palace is richer than whole cities there! Nor mean I by this to despise your native land; for the region in which you first drew your breath, must ever be to me a dear and happy country. Yet Sparta is poor, whereas you are worthy of the richest ornaments: that sordid city ill suits a form so lovely. Your face ought to shine with rich attire, and be set off with all the ornaments and luxuriance of dress. When you so much admire the habit of the Trojans who attend me, what, think you, must be that of the Phrygian ladies? Only therefore be kind; nor do you, a fair Spartan, disdain to receive a husband of Phrygia. He was of Phrygia, springing from our race, who is now advanced to temper the nectar of the Gods. Tithonus too was of Phrygia, whom the Goddess that measures out the night received to her rosy bed. Anchises also was a Phrygian, with whom the mother of winged Loves delighted to associate on the summits of Ida. Nor do I think that Menelaus, whether you compare our persons or age, can have the preference, even in your judgement. You certainly will not have a father-in-law who made the sun withdraw his light, and turn away his frighted steeds from the dire banquet. Nor is Priam the son of one stained with the blood of a father-in-law, or whose crime gives a name to the Myrtoan waves. No great-grandfather of mine catches at apples in the Stygian flood, or, set up to the chin in water, is tortured with thirst. But what does this avail me, if one so descended possesses Helen, and Jove himself is a father-in-law to this line? Yet he (O ye Gods) a wretch unworthy of so much happiness, passes whole nights with you, and shares, uninterrupted, your fondest caresses. I can scarcely have a short glance of you at table; and even then there are many things that give me pain. May such feasts fall to the lot of my worst enemies, as those I often meet with in your palace! I repent of my entertainment at his court, when I see him throw his rude arms round your snowy neck. I swell, and am ready to burst with envy (yet why do I thus relate all?) when he folds his flowing robe round your tender limbs. But when you give and take in my presence the melting kisses, I am then forced to take the cup, and hold it before my eyes. As often as you close in strict embraces, I cast my eyes upon the ground; and the loathed food becomes more and more nauseous to my taste. I often sigh to myself, and have observed you repaying my sighs with a scornful smile. Oft have I essayed to conquer my flame with wine; but it continued to increase; and drinking, I found, added fuel to the fire. Sometimes I turned away my eyes, that I might not see too much; but you soon called back my wandering sight. What can I do? I am pierced with grief to witness all; but it is still a greater grief not to gaze upon your charms. I strive with all my power to hide my flame; but the dissembled passion breaks through all restraints. Nor is it my aim to deceive; my wounds are well, to well known to you: O that they were only known to you! How often have I turned away my face, to hide the falling tears, lest he should enquire the cause of my sadness! How oft, when warmed with wine, have I told some tale of love, applying every word to your dear face; and, under a feigned name, have made a discovery of my own passion? In these instances, if you knew it not, I was the true lover. Sometimes I have even feigned intoxication, to excuse my greater freedoms in discourse. Once I remember your loose garments revealed your naked breasts, and discovered them freely to my gazing eyes; breasts whiter than milk, or the purest snow; whiter than Jove, when in the shape of a swan he made love to your mother. Whilst surprised at the sight I stood gazing (for by chance the cup was in my hand), the wreathed handle insensibly slipped from my fingers. If you kissed your young Hermione, I instantly snatched from her lips the envied bliss. Sometimes, laid supinely along, I sang love-songs, and by winks and nods gave secret signs of my flame. I even tried, with all the softness of eloquence, to persuade your favorite attendants, Æthra and Clymene, to promote my addresses: but their answers served only to heighten my despair, and they cruelly deserted me in the midst of my entrea- ties. O that the Gods would make you the reward of some gallant enterprise, and crown the victor with the possession of your charms! As Hippomenes carried off Atalanta, the prize of his dexterity in the chariot-race; as Hippodamia was pressed to the bosom of a Phrygian hero; as brave Alcides broke the horns of the God Achelous, while he fought for the prize of Deianira's charms; my courage would have nobly dared the rude encounter, and you would have soon found yourself the reward of my bravery. Now nought remains but to address you in suppliant prayers, and, prostrate at your feet, embrace your knees. O you who are the glory of your family and ornament of the brother stars! O worthy of the bed of Jove, but that you sprang from himself! I will either re-enter the Phrygian ports, carrying you as my wife; or here, an exile, be covered with Laconian earth. My breast is not lightly pierced with the pointed arrow; the wound hath reached even to my bones. My sister truly foretold (for now I recollect), that I should be wounded by a heavenly dart. Beware therefore, Helen, of despising a love ordamed by the Fates; so may you have the Gods still propitious to your desires! Much more I have to add; but, that I may say all to yourself, receive me into your apartment during the silent night. Are you ashamed? Or do you fear to loosen the matrimonial tie, or violate the just rights of a lawful bed? Is it possible then, Helen, you should be so simple as to fancy, that so lovely a face can be exempt from faults? Either change that face, or you must be less cruel; for chastity and beauty are ever at variance. Even Jupiter, and lovely Venus herself, indulge these stolen delights. It is in consequence of these that you boast of Jupiter for your father. If you retain aught of your parents, can the daughter of Jupiter and Leda be chaste? Yet then may you be chaste, when I with you shall have reached Troy; and let a compliance with me be your only crime. Let us now commit a fault which marriage shall afterwards amend, if Venus has not deluded me be false promises. Even your husband, if not by words, yet by his actions, persuades you to this; and, that he may not be an obstacle to the stolen joys of his guest, he is absent. Had he no time more opportune for a visit to the isle of Crete? O husband of wonderful sagacity! He went, and in going said, My dear, I recommend it to you, that you take the same care of our Idean guest, as you are wont to do of me. You neglect (I aver it) the commands of your absent husband, nor ever think about the care of your guest. And can you hope, fairest Tyndaris, that one of so little discretion understands the just value of such a treasure of charms? You are deceived; he is far from understanding it; nor, if he thought the jewel valuable, would he trust it in the hands of a stranger. If neither my persuasions, nor the ardor of my passion, avail; yet how can we avoid taking advantage of the inviting opportunity? We should exceed even him in folly, if we should neglect a conjuncture so secure and tempting. He has, in a manner, with his own hands, forced a lover upon you; let us then make the best of the simplicity of this thoughtless man. You lie in a solitary bed during the long winter nights: I also lie single in a desolate bed. Let mutual joys join us strictly together; and that night will outshine the brightest noon. Then will I swear by all the powers above, and bind myself to you for ever in your own words. Then, if my confidence does not deceive me. I will prevail that you fly with me to my kingdom. If shame and fear dissuade you from the appearance of a voluntary flight, I will free you from blame, by taking all the crime upon myself. For I will follow the example of Theseus and your brothers; nor are there any others that can touch you more nearly; Theseus carried you off, and they bore away the two daughters of Leucippus; I shall be named the fourth, in this illustrious roll. The Trojan fleet is at hand, well appointed with arms and men: oars and an inviting gale shall forward us with nimble speed. You shall walk a mighty queen through the cities of Phrygia, and the people will adore you as a new deity. Whereever you tread, the finest spices shall smoke, and the falling victims beat the bloody ground. My brothers, my sisters and mother, will load you with gifts; the Ilian matrons and all Troy following the example. Alas! all I have yet said is nothing; you shall there meet with much more than this letter mentions. Nor fear that this rape will draw after it a cruel war, or that powerful Greece will summon her strength to recover you. Who, of the many that have been thus stolen, was demanded back by arms? These, trust me, are vain and frivolous fears. The Thracians, under the name of Boreas, stole the daughter of Erechtheus; and yet the kingdom of Thrace was not attacked by war. Jason of Thessaly carried off in his flying bark the Colchian maid; yet Thessaly was got invaded or distressed by an army from Colchis. Theseus too, who stole you, stole also the daughter of Minos; yet Minos did not once think of arming the Cretans to recover her. In these cases, the fear always exceeds the danger; and, when that is over, we begin to be ashamed of our fear. But suppose, if you will, that a dreadful war may ensure; I have strength to repel it, and my darts can wound. Nor does the power of Asia yield to that of Greece;—it is a rich land, abounding both in men and horses. Nor does Menelaus exceed Paris in bravery, or deserve the preference for military skill. While I was a mere boy, I recovered the stolen herds after slaying my foes, and thence borrowed a new name. While yet a boy, I carried off the prize in various exercises from the other youths, among whom were even Ilioneus and Deiphobus. Nor think that I am only to be dreaded in close combat; my arrows always hit the appointed mark. Can you ascribe to him these acts of early youth? Can you honor the son of Atreus with my envied skill? But were you to allow him all these, will you also boast that he has such a brother as Hector? This one hero is equivalent to whole armies. You know not the extent of my power; my strength is in a great measure hidden from you; nor do you imagine what kind of man he is, who solicits to be received for your husband. Either therefore no war will be raised to demand you back; or the Grecian army must be vanquished by my superior force. Nor think that I shall be unwilling to draw the sword for such a wife. A prize so noble, is well worthy of the contest. You too, if all the world should arm for your sake, will acquire a name famous to the remotest ages. Fly hence then, full of hope, while the Gods are propitious, and demand with full assurance that I make good these promises.
17 Helene
Paridi
Nunc
oculos
tua
cum
violarit
epistula
nostros
,
Non
rescribendi
gloria
visa
levis
.
Ausus
es
hospitii
temeratis
advena
sacris
Legitimam
nuptae
sollicitare
fidem
!
Scilicet
idcirco
ventosa
per
aequora
vectum
Excepit
portu
Taenaris
ora
suo
,
Nec
tibi
,
diversa
quamvis
e
gente
venires
,
Oppositas
habuit
regia
nostra
fores
,
Esset
ut
officii
merces
iniuria
tanti
!
Qui
sic
intrabas
,
hospes
an
hostis
eras
?
Nec
dubito
,
quin
haec
,
cum
sit
tam
iusta
,
vocetur
Rustica
iudicio
nostra
querela
tuo
.
Rustica
sim
sane
,
dum
non
oblita
pudoris
,
Dumque
tenor
vitae
sit
sine
labe
meae
.
Si
non
est
ficto
tristis
mihi
vultus
in
ore
,
Nec
sedeo
duris
torva
superciliis
,
Fama
tamen
clara
est
,
et
adhuc
sine
crimine
vixi
,
Et
laudem
de
me
nullus
adulter
habet
.
Quo
magis
admiror
,
quae
sit
fiducia
coepti
,
Spemque
tori
dederit
quae
tibi
causa
mei
.
An
,
quia
vim
nobis
Neptunius
attulit
heros
,
Rapta
semel
videor
bis
quoque
digna
rapi
?
Crimen
erat
nostrum
,
si
delenita
fuissem
;
Cum
sim
rapta
,
meum
quid
nisi
nolle
fuit
?
Non
tamen
e
facto
fructum
tulit
ille
petitum
;
Excepto
redii
passa
timore
nihil
.
Oscula
luctanti
tantummodo
pauca
protervus
Abstulit
;
ulterius
nil
habet
ille
mei
.
Quae
tua
nequitia
est
,
non
his
contenta
fuisset
Di
melius
!
similis
non
fuit
ille
tui
.
Reddidit
intactam
,
minuitque
modestia
crimen
,
Et
iuvenem
facti
paenituisse
patet
;
Thesea
paenituit
,
Paris
ut
succederet
illi
,
Ne
quando
nomen
non
sit
in
ore
meum
?
Nec
tamen
irascor
quis
enim
succenset
amanti
? —
Si
modo
,
quem
praefers
,
non
simulatur
amor
.
Hoc
quoque
enim
dubito
non
quod
fiducia
desit
,
Aut
mea
sit
facies
non
bene
nota
mihi
;
Sed
quia
credulitas
damno
solet
esse
puellis
,
Verbaque
dicuntur
vestra
carere
fide
.
At
peccant
aliae
,
matronaque
rara
pudica
est
.
Quis
prohibet
raris
nomen
inesse
meum
?
Nam
mea
quod
visa
est
tibi
mater
idonea
,
cuius
Exemplo
flecti
me
quoque
posse
putes
,
Matris
in
admisso
falsa
sub
imagine
lusae
Error
inest
;
pluma
tectus
adulter
erat
.
Nil
ego
,
si
peccem
,
possum
nescisse
,
nec
ullus
Error
qui
facti
crimen
obumbret
erit
.
Illa
bene
erravit
vitiumque
auctore
redemit
.
Felix
in
culpa
quo
Iove
dicar
ego
?
Sed
genus
et
proavos
et
regia
nomina
iactas
.
Clara
satis
domus
haec
nobilitate
sua
est
.
Iuppiter
ut
soceri
proavus
taceatur
et
omne
Tantalidae
Pelopis
Tyndareique
decus
,
Dat
mihi
Leda
Iovem
cygno
decepta
parentem
,
Quae
falsam
gremio
credula
fovit
avem
.
I
nunc
et
Phrygiae
late
primordia
gentis
Cumque
suo
Priamum
Laumedonte
refer
!
Quos
ego
suspicio
;
sed
qui
tibi
gloria
magna
est
Quintus
,
is
a
nostro
nomine
primus
erit
.
Sceptra
tuae
quamvis
rear
esse
potentia
terrae
,
Non
tamen
haec
illis
esse
minora
puto
.
Si
iam
divitiis
locus
hic
numeroque
virorum
Vincitur
,
at
certe
barbara
terra
tua
est
.
Munera
tanta
quidem
promittit
epistula
dives
Ut
possint
ipsas
illa
movere
deas
;
Sed
si
iam
vellem
fines
transire
pudoris
,
Tu
melior
culpae
causa
futurus
eras
.
Aut
ego
perpetuo
famam
sine
labe
tenebo
,
Aut
ego
te
potius
quam
tua
dona
sequar
;
Utque
ea
non
sperno
,
sic
acceptissima
semper
Munera
sunt
,
auctor
quae
pretiosa
facit
.
Plus
multo
est
,
quod
amas
,
quod
sum
tibi
causa
laboris
,
Quod
per
tam
longas
spes
tua
venit
aquas
.
Illa
quoque
,
adposita
quae
nunc
facis
,
inprobe
,
mensa
,
Quamvis
experiar
dissimulare
,
noto
Cum
modo
me
spectas
oculis
,
lascive
,
protervis
,
Quos
vix
instantes
lumina
nostra
ferunt
,
Et
modo
suspiras
,
modo
pocula
proxima
nobis
Sumis
,
quaque
bibi
,
tu
quoque
parte
bibis
.
A
,
quotiens
digitis
,
quotiens
ego
tecta
notavi
Signa
supercilio
paene
loquente
dari
!
Et
saepe
extimui
ne
vir
meus
illa
videret
,
Non
satis
occultis
erubuique
notis
!
Saepe
vel
exiguo
vel
nullo
murmure
dixi
: '
Nil
pudet
hunc
.'
nec
vox
haec
mea
falsa
fuit
.
Orbe
quoque
in
mensae
legi
sub
nomine
nostro
,
Quod
deducta
mero
littera
fecit
,
amo
.
Credere
me
tamen
hoc
oculo
renuente
negavi
Ei
mihi
,
iam
didici
sic
ego
posse
loqui
!
His
ego
blanditiis
,
si
peccatura
fuissem
,
Flecterer
;
his
poterant
pectora
nostra
capi
.
Est
quoque
,
confiteor
,
facies
tibi
rara
,
potestque
Velle
sub
amplexus
ire
puella
tuos
;
Altera
vel
potius
felix
sine
crimine
fiat
,
Quam
cadat
externo
noster
amore
pudor
.
Disce
modo
exemplo
formosis
posse
carere
;
Est
virtus
placitis
abstinuisse
bonis
.
Quam
multos
credis
iuvenes
optare
quod
optas
,
Qui
sapiant
?
oculos
an
Paris
unus
habes
?
Non
tu
plus
cernis
,
sed
plus
temerarius
audes
:
Nec
tibi
plus
cordis
,
sed
nimis
oris
,
adest
.
Tunc
ego
te
vellem
celeri
venisse
carina
,
Cum
mea
virginitas
mille
petita
procis
;
Si
te
vidissem
,
primus
de
mille
fuisses
.
Iudicio
veniam
vir
dabit
ipse
meo
.
Ad
possessa
venis
praeceptaque
gaudia
,
serus
;
Spes
tua
lenta
fuit
;
quod
petis
,
alter
habet
.
Ut
tamen
optarim
fieri
tua
Troica
coniunx
,
Invitam
sic
me
nec
Menelaus
habet
.
Desine
molle
,
precor
,
verbis
convellere
pectus
,
Neve
mihi
,
quam
te
dicis
amare
,
noce
;
Sed
sine
quam
tribuit
sortem
fortuna
tueri
,
Nec
spolium
nostri
turpe
pudoris
ave
!
At
Venus
hoc
pacta
est
,
et
in
altae
vallibus
Idae
Tres
tibi
se
nudas
exhibuere
deae
,
Unaque
cum
regnum
,
belli
daret
altera
laudem
, '
Tyndaridis
coniunx
,'
tertia
dixit
, '
eris
!'
Credere
vix
equidem
caelestia
corpora
possum
Arbitrio
formam
supposuisse
tuo
,
Utque
sit
hoc
verum
,
certe
pars
altera
ficta
est
,
Iudicii
pretium
qua
data
dicor
ego
.
Non
est
tanta
mihi
fiducia
corporis
,
ut
me
Maxima
teste
dea
dona
fuisse
putem
.
Contenta
est
oculis
hominum
mea
forma
probari
;
Laudatrix
Venus
est
invidiosa
mihi
.
Sed
nihil
infirmo
;
faveo
quoque
laudibus
istis
Nam
,
mens
,
vox
quare
,
quod
cupit
esse
,
neget
?
Nec
tu
succense
,
nimium
mihi
creditus
aegre
;
Tarda
solet
magnis
rebus
inesse
fides
.
Prima
mea
est
igitur
Veneri
placuisse
voluptas
;
Proxima
,
me
visam
praemia
summa
tibi
,
Nec
te
Palladios
nec
te
Iunonis
honores
Auditis
Helenae
praeposuisse
bonis
.
Ergo
ego
sum
virtus
,
ego
sum
tibi
nobile
regnum
!
Ferrea
sim
,
si
non
hoc
ego
pectus
amem
.
Ferrea
,
crede
mihi
,
non
sum
;
sed
amare
repugno
Illum
,
quem
fieri
vix
puto
posse
meum
.
Quid
bibulum
curvo
proscindere
litus
aratro
,
Spemque
sequi
coner
quam
locus
ipse
negat
?
Sum
rudis
ad
Veneris
furtum
,
nullaque
fidelem
Di
mihi
sunt
testes
lusimus
arte
virum
.
Nunc
quoque
,
quod
tacito
mando
mea
verba
libello
,
Fungitur
officio
littera
nostra
novo
.
Felices
,
quibus
usus
adest
!
ego
nescia
rerum
Difficilem
culpae
suspicor
esse
viam
.
Ipse
malo
metus
est
;
iam
nunc
confundor
,
et
omnes
In
nostris
oculos
vultibus
esse
reor
.
Nec
reor
hoc
falso
;
sensi
mala
murmura
vulgi
,
Et
quasdam
voces
rettulit
Aethra
mihi
.
At
tu
dissimula
,
nisi
si
desistere
mavis
!
Sed
cur
desistas
?
dissimulare
potes
.
Lude
,
sed
occulte
!
maior
,
non
maxima
,
nobis
Est
data
libertas
,
quod
Menelaus
abest
.
Ille
quidem
procul
est
,
ita
re
cogente
,
profectus
;
Magna
fuit
subitae
iustaque
causa
viae
Aut
mihi
sic
visum
est
.
ego
,
cum
dubitaret
an
iret
, '
Quam
primum
,'
dixi
, '
fac
rediturus
eas
!'
Omine
laetatus
dedit
oscula
, '
res
'
que
'
domusque
Et
tibi
sit
curae
Troicus
hospes
,'
ait
.
Vix
tenui
risum
,
quem
dum
conpescere
luctor
,
Nil
illi
potui
dicere
praeter
'
erit
.'
Vela
quidem
Creten
ventis
dedit
ille
secundis
;
Sed
tu
non
ideo
cuncta
licere
puta
!
Sic
meus
hinc
vir
abest
ut
me
custodiat
absens
An
nescis
longas
regibus
esse
manus
?
Forma
quoque
est
oneri
;
nam
quo
constantius
ore
Laudamur
vestro
,
iustius
ille
timet
.
Quae
iuvat
,
ut
nunc
est
,
eadem
mihi
gloria
damno
est
,
Et
melius
famae
verba
dedisse
fuit
.
Nec
,
quod
abest
hic
me
tecum
,
mirare
,
relicta
;
Moribus
et
vitae
credidit
ille
meae
.
De
facie
metuit
,
vitae
confidit
,
et
illum
Securum
probitas
,
forma
timere
facit
.
Tempora
ne
pereant
ultro
data
praecipis
,
utque
Simplicis
utamur
commoditate
viri
.
Et
libet
et
timeo
,
nec
adhuc
exacta
voluntas
Est
satis
;
in
dubio
pectora
nostra
labant
.
Et
vir
abest
nobis
,
et
tu
sine
coniuge
dormis
,
Inque
vicem
tua
me
,
te
mea
forma
capit
;
Et
longae
noctes
,
et
iam
sermone
coimus
,
Et
tu
,
me
miseram
!
blandus
,
et
una
domus
.
Et
peream
,
si
non
invitant
omnia
culpam
;
Nescio
quo
tardor
sed
tamen
ipsa
metu
!
Quod
male
persuades
,
utinam
bene
cogere
posses
!
Vi
mea
rusticitas
excutienda
fuit
.
Utilis
interdum
est
ipsis
iniuria
passis
.
Sic
certe
felix
esse
coacta
forem
.
Dum
novus
est
,
potius
coepto
pugnemus
amori
!
Flamma
recens
parva
sparsa
residit
aqua
.
Certus
in
hospitibus
non
est
amor
;
errat
,
ut
ipsi
,
Cumque
nihil
speres
firmius
esse
,
fugit
.
Hypsipyle
testis
,
testis
Minoia
virgo
est
,
In
non
exhibitis
utraque
lusa
toris
.
Tu
quoque
dilectam
multos
,
infide
,
per
annos
Diceris
Oenonen
destituisse
tuam
.
Nec
tamen
ipse
negas
;
et
nobis
omnia
de
te
Quaerere
,
si
nescis
,
maxima
cura
fuit
.
Adde
,
quod
,
ut
cupias
constans
in
amore
manere
,
Non
potes
.
expediunt
iam
tua
vela
Phryges
;
Dum
loqueris
mecum
,
dum
nox
sperata
paratur
,
Qui
ferat
in
patriam
,
iam
tibi
ventus
erit
.
Cursibus
in
mediis
novitatis
plena
relinques
Gaudia
;
cum
ventis
noster
abibit
amor
.
An
sequar
,
ut
suades
,
laudataque
Pergama
visam
Pronurus
et
magni
Laumedontis
ero
?
Non
ita
contemno
volucris
praeconia
famae
,
Ut
probris
terras
inpleat
illa
meis
.
Quid
de
me
poterit
Sparte
,
quid
Achaia
tota
,
Quid
gentes
Asiae
,
quid
tua
Troia
loqui
?
Quid
Priamus
de
me
,
Priami
quid
sentiet
uxor
,
Totque
tui
fratres
Dardanidesque
nurus
?
Tu
quoque
,
qui
poteris
fore
me
sperare
fidelem
,
Et
non
exemplis
anxius
esse
tuis
?
Quicumque
Iliacos
intraverit
advena
portus
,
Is
tibi
solliciti
causa
timoris
erit
.
Ipse
mihi
quotiens
iratus
'
adultera
!'
dices
,
Oblitus
nostro
crimen
inesse
tuum
!
Delicti
fies
idem
reprehensor
et
auctor
.
Terra
,
precor
,
vultus
obruat
ante
meos
!
At
fruar
Iliacis
opibus
cultuque
beato
,
Donaque
promissis
uberiora
feram
;
Purpura
nempe
mihi
pretiosaque
texta
dabuntur
,
Congestoque
auri
pondere
dives
ero
!
Da
veniam
fassae
non
sunt
tua
munera
tanti
;
Nescio
quo
tellus
me
tenet
ista
modo
.
Quis
mihi
,
si
laedar
,
Phrygiis
succurret
in
oris
?
Unde
petam
fratres
,
unde
parentis
opem
?
Omnia
Medeae
fallax
promisit
Iason
Pulsa
est
Aesonia
num
minus
illa
domo
?
Non
erat
Aeetes
,
ad
quem
despecta
rediret
,
Non
Idyia
parens
Chalciopeve
soror
.
Tale
nihil
timeo
sed
nec
Medea
timebat
!
Fallitur
augurio
spes
bona
saepe
suo
.
Omnibus
invenies
,
quae
nunc
iactantur
in
alto
,
Navibus
a
portu
lene
fuisse
fretum
.
Fax
quoque
me
terret
,
quam
se
peperisse
cruentam
Ante
diem
partus
est
tua
visa
parens
;
Et
vatum
timeo
monitus
,
quos
igne
Pelasgo
Ilion
arsurum
praemonuisse
ferunt
.
Utque
favet
Cytherea
tibi
,
quia
vicit
habetque
Parta
per
arbitrium
bina
tropaea
tuum
,
Sic
illas
vereor
,
quae
,
si
tua
gloria
vera
est
,
Iudice
te
causam
non
tenuere
duae
;
Nec
dubito
,
quin
,
te
si
prosequar
,
arma
parentur
.
Ibit
per
gladios
,
ei
mihi
!
noster
amor
.
An
fera
Centauris
indicere
bella
coegit
Atracis
Haemonios
Hippodamia
viros
Tu
fore
tam
iusta
lentum
Menelaon
in
ira
Et
geminos
fratres
Tyndareumque
putas
?
Quod
bene
te
iactes
et
fortia
facta
loquaris
,
A
verbis
facies
dissidet
ista
tuis
.
Apta
magis
Veneri
,
quam
sunt
tua
corpora
Marti
.
Bella
gerant
fortes
,
tu
,
Pari
,
semper
ama
!
Hectora
,
quem
laudas
,
pro
te
pugnare
iubeto
;
Militia
est
operis
altera
digna
tuis
.
His
ego
,
si
saperem
pauloque
audacior
essem
,
Uterer
;
utetur
,
siqua
puella
sapit
Aut
ego
deposito
sapiam
fortasse
pudore
Et
dabo
cunctatas
tempore
victa
manus
.
Quod
petis
,
ut
furtim
praesentes
ista
loquamur
,
Scimus
,
quid
captes
conloquiumque
voces
;
Sed
nimium
properas
,
et
adhuc
tua
messis
in
herba
est
.
Et
mora
sit
voto
forsan
amica
tuo
.
Hactenus
;
arcanum
furtivae
conscia
mentis
Littera
iam
lasso
pollice
sistat
opus
.
Cetera
per
socias
Clymenen
Aethramque
loquamur
,
Quae
mihi
sunt
comites
consiliumque
duae
.
Helen to Paris WHEN your epistle violated my chaste eyes, it seemed no small glory to write back my resentment. Dare you, a stranger, in defiance of the most sacred rights of hospitality, presume thus to invade the just allegiance of a lawful wife? Was it for this that our Laconian harbours sheltered you from stormy winds and seas? Were our palace gates frankly opened to you, though from a foreign court, that you might return this injury, as the reward of so much good usage? Was it a stranger or an enemy whom we received with so much kindness and friendship? These just complaints, I doubt not, will to your partial judgment appear rustic. Of what consequence is the imputation of rusticity, while my chastity is unstained, and the whole tenor of my life above reproach? Though I have not a countenance severe with dissembled looks, nor form my eye-brows into an artful frown, my fame is yet unspotted; my easy frankness never rose to a crime; nor can any vain seducer boast the spoils of my virtue. I therefore may reasonably be astonished at the bold scheme, and wonder whence your hopes came to share of my favors. Was it because the hero of Neptune's race forced me away? Did you conclude that, being once compelled, I was fit to be made a second prey? Mine would have been the crime, had I been enticed to a compliance; but, as I was carried off by violence, what could I do more than show reluctance? Nor did he ultimately obtain the desired reward of his boldness; I returned unhurt by any thing but fear. The forward youth snatched by rude force a few reluctant kisses; but that was all he ever had of me. You, wicked as you are, would not have been thus satisfied: but the Gods were more favorable; he was of a temper very different from you. He restored me untouched, and by a modest usage atoned for his crime: it is evident that the young man repented the bold insult. Did Theseus repent, that Paris might succeed, and my name never cease to be the object of busy tongues? Nor am I yet displeased, (for who was ever offended with love?) if the affection you profess is sincere and undissembled. But that I doubt; not that I suspect your honor, or distrust the power of my own charms; but, because I know that a too easy faith often proves fatal to our sex, and dissembling man ruins us by feigned professions. What if others yield, or matrons are seldom chaste; may not my name occur among the rare instances of virtue? My mother's story seems, at the first view, a fit example to soften me to a compliance: but my mother was deceived by a borrowed shape, and harmless feathers covered the unsuspected ravisher. If I offend, what have I to plead? by what error can I excuse the darling sin? Her frailty was happily redeemed by the dignity of the ravisher; but what Jupiter will take from the infamy of my crime? You boast your descent from a race of kings and heroes. What then? Our line too is sufficiently ennobled by illustrious names. Not to mention my father-in-law Atreus, the great-grandson of Jupiter, or the honorable pedigree of Tyndareus, and Pelops the son of Tantalus; Leda, deceived by a borrowed shape, who fondly cherished in her bosom the unsuspected bird, gives me Jupiter for my father. Go then, and boast your Phrygian descent, and the honorable race of Priam, which I am far from undervaluing: but Jupiter, who ennobles your line, is the fifth from you, from me the first. The sceptre of Troy I am apt to believe powerful; but still I fancy that our own is not less so. If you exceed us in riches and number of people, yet yours is only a country of barbarians. Your letter is filled with ample promises, such as might move even Goddesses to yield; but if ever I violate the laws of chastity, yourself shall be the more powerful cause of my crime. For either I will always retain my honor without a stain, or follow you, rather than the high hopes you give: not that I despise or slight them; for those gifts are always most acceptable, which derive a value from the giver. But it is still more that you love me, that you run such hazards for my sake, and follow hope through all the dangers of the main. Nor do I overlook the signs you make at our table, though I artfully dissemble all notice. I observe your ardent wistful looks, and those meaning eyes that almost dazzle mine. Sometimes you sigh, and, snatching the cup, fix your lips where mine had been before. Ah! how oft have I marked the hidden signs wafted from your fingers, and the lively language expressed in your eye-brow! I often dreaded that my husband might observe it, and blushed at the too open signs you made. Oft I said murmuring to myself, This man will stick at nothing; nor was my conjecture erroneous. I have also upon the edge of a table read, marked with wine under my own name, I love. I, with a frowning eye, seemed not to believe; but now, alas! I have learned to speak the same language. Were I capable of being won, it must have been by those soft allurements: these only could have made an impression upon my heart. You have (it must be owned) an enchanting face, and charms that may make any one gladly fly to your embraces. A more fortunate maid may possess you with innocence; but my engagements forbid a foreign love. Learn by my example to live without the desired beauty; it is the highest degree of virtue, to abstain from unlawful pleasures. How many youths wish for the same happiness as you, who make no advances? Or do you fancy that Paris only has eyes? It is not that you see better, but that you rashly venture more; your passion is not greater, but your confidence. Oh that you had then visited our coasts in a nimble bark, when a thousand rivals solicited my virgin love! Had you appeared, you would have triumphed over the thousand; nor could my husband have justly blamed my choice. Now, alas! you come too late, to joys that are the right of another; and your slow hope invades a plighted love. But although it would have been more to my wish, to live with you, yet does not Menelaus possess me against my will. Cease then, for heaven's sake, to urge a too sensible heart; nor strive to injure one whom you profess to love. Suffer me to live contented with the lot which fortune has given me, nor aim at the ruin of my unspotted fame. But Venus, you say, promised this reward; and three goddesses offered themselves naked to your judgment in the vales of towering Ida. One offered you a kingdom, another the glory of successful war; and the third promised to make you husband to a daughter of Tyndareus: but I can scarcely believe that heavenly Nymphs would have submitted to your decision in the case of beauty. And were this even true, yet the other part is undoubtedly feigned, where you pretend that I was offered to bribe your judgment. I am not yet so vain of my own charms, as to fancy myself the greatest reward, even in the opinion of the Goddess. I am fully contented with my share of human praise; the applause of Venus can only produce envy. But I deny nothing; these flatteries are also grateful; for why should I reject what I so fondly wish? Nor be you too much displeased, that I am rather incredulous; for things of moment are not credited with ease. My chief joy is to have the applause of Venus; and my next, that I was esteemed the greatest reward by you; that neither the honors offered by Pallas, nor those of Juno, were preferred to the famed beauty of Helen. You therefore chose me in place of valor, in place of a noble kingdom; it would be inhuman, not to receive a heart so wholly mine. But trust me, I am far from being inhuman; and only struggle against loving a man, whom I scarcely can hope ever to possess. Why do I vainly strive to tear up the thirsty sand with a bending plough, and cherish a hope which every thing conspires to deteat? I am a stranger to the artifices of love; witness beaven, that I never yet by any decent abused my faithful husband. And now that I privately commit my thoughts to writing, my hand engages in a new and unusual task. Happy are they whom practice hath rendered expert; I, un-killed in intrigue, imagine the way to vice hedged round with thorns. This fear perpetually haunts me; even now I am covered with blushes, and imagine the eyes of all fixed upon me. Nor is this apprehension wholly groundless; for already the rumor spreads among the crowd: and Æthra accidentally overheard some whispers. It is fit you dissemble all, unless you think it better to desist; but why desist? you who can to well dissemble. Love still, but secretly: the absence of Menelaus gives more freedom, but does not allow of all. He is gone upon a long journey, called by urgent affairs; a great and weighty concern occasioned his sudden departure: at least so it appeared to me. I, seeing him unresolved what to do, said, Go and return with all possible dispatch. He, pleased with the omen, fondly kissed me: To your care, says he, I recommend my palace, my kingdom, and the Trojan guest. Scarcely could I refrain from laughter; and, while I strove to stifle it, I would only answer, It shall be so. He, it is true, spread his sails for Crete with a favorable wind; yet do not, from this, fancy yourself wholly secure. My husband, though absent, has still watchful eyes over me. Are you unacquainted with the proverb, that princes have long hands? My fame too is a great obstacle; for the more lavish you are in my praise, the more reasonable ground has he for suspicion. That glory, once so grateful, is now my bane; far better it had been to be less known to fame. Nor wonder at his absence, or that I am here left with you: he trusted to my virtue and unspotted life. My beauty and shape implied danger; but my probity and fame made him secure. You desire me not to lose so fair a season, or neglect the opportunity given by the simple good-natured man. I am willing, but afraid; my resolution is still unfixed, and my breast glows with all the anguish of suspense. My husband is absent; you pine in a solitary bed, and we are each blest with a form that mutually pleases. The nights are long; we often converse; one house contains us; and you are kind and pressing. Let me die, if all things do not conspire to crown our loves; and yet I do not know what fear still holds me back. It would be better to employ force, than court with words; my bashfulness might have been overcome by a gentle violence. Wrongs are sometimes grateful even to those who suffer them; it is thus I would be made happy by a seeming force: but let us strive rather to suppress in its birth the growing flame; a little water easily extinguishes the kindling spark. Strangers are incapable of a lasting love; their passion wanders like themselves; and while we fondly believe it to be sure and unchanged, all is over. Hypsipyle and the Minoian maid are examples of this, who both were left to mourn their deserted beds. You too, faithless man, are said to have abandoned Œnone, who had been dear to you for so many years. You must not attempt to deny it; for know, that it has been my care to search narrowly into all. Add, that, were you inclined to a constant faithful love, it is not in your power; already the impatient Trojans prepare your sails. While you are yet in discourse with me, while the wished-for night is assigned, a propitious gale calls you away to your own country. You must abandon the unfinished pursuit, and break asunder our new-felt joys; the relentless winds will bear away my love. Shall I then follow, as you advise, and visit the famed towers of Troy? Shall I become a wife to the grandson of mighty Laomedon? I am not yet so indifferent to the reports of spreading fame, as to suffer it thus to fill the earth with the sound of my reproach. What may Sparta say of me, and all Greece? What the nations of Asia, and even your own Troy? What will Priam, Hecuba, and your brothers think? and what will all the modest Phrygian matrons? And even you, what confidence can you have in my fidelity, or how avoid an anxiety from my compliance in your own case? Every stranger who may arrive upon the Phrygian coast will be a fresh cause of fear on my account. In your rage you will not fail to upbraid me with my crime, forgetting the part you bear in it yourself. You, who are the author of my guilt, will be the first to reproach me. O may the earth rather overwhelm me for ever! But I shall shine in Troj in riches, and all the ornaments of a happy dress. You tell me, that I shall meet with a reception far beyond even your promises; that purple and embroidered garments shall be given me; and that I shall be enriched by a mass of gold. But forgive the trank confession; these gifts have no charms for me: the ties that bind me to my own country, are far more powerful. Who among the Phrygians will resent the injuries which may be offered? What aid from brothers or a father could I there implore? Deceitful Jason won Medea by his unbounded promises; but was he less ready to banish her from the house of his father Æson? She had then no Aeetes to whom she could fly for relief, no mother Ipsea, or sister Chalciope to hear her complaints. I indeed fear none of this; but neither did Medea fear: love often contributes to its own deceit. What ship now tossed by stormy waves did not sail first from the port with a favorable wind? I am terrified too by the flaming torch, which, in your mother's dream, seemed to spring from her womb before your birth. Add to this the prophecies which fortell that Ilium shall be consumed with Grecian fire. It is true that Venus favors us, because she carried off the prize, and by your judgement triumphed over two. But then I fear again the resentment of the two, who in this contest, so much to your honor, lost their cause by your sentence. Nor can it be doubetd, if I follow you, that troops will be raised to recover me. Our love (alas!) must make its way through sword and slaughter. Did Hippodamia of Atrace instigate the Thessalian heroes to that cruel slaughter of the Centaurs? And can you fancy that Menclaus will be slow to revenge in so just a cause, or that my brothers and father will not contribute their aid? You boast highly of your valor, and recount your noble acts: but your face gains no great credit to your words. Those limbs are better formed for the delights of Venus, than the rude encounters of Mars: let heroes distinguish themselves in war; Paris will shine in the softer pursuits of love. Hector, whom you so much commend, may bravely defend you against the foe: a different warfare suits those graceful motions. Were I bold and daring as many of my sex, I would throw myself into your soft embraces; but time and you may at last bring me to yield, when, laying aside this foolish shame, I will gladly extend my consenting hand. You demand a private meeting, that you may acquaint me fully with all: I know your meaning, and what you aim at by this conference. But you are too forward; now is your harvest yet come to ripeness. This short delay may perhaps promote the object of your hopes. Thus far my epistle bears the secret message of my heart; but the betraying pen has tired my tender hand. The rest you will learn of Æthra and Clymene, my faithful companions and counsellors.
18 Leander Heroni
Mittit
Abydenus
,
quam
mallet
ferre
,
salutem
,
Si
cadat
unda
maris
,
Sesti
puella
,
tibi
.
Si
mihi
di
faciles
,
si
sunt
in
amore
secundi
,
Invitis
oculis
haec
mea
verba
leges
.
Sed
non
sunt
faciles
;
nam
cur
mea
vota
morantur
Currere
me
nota
nec
patiuntur
aqua
?
Ipsa
vides
caelum
pice
nigrius
et
freta
ventis
Turbida
perque
cavas
vix
adeunda
rates
.
Unus
,
et
hic
audax
,
a
quo
tibi
littera
nostra
Redditur
,
e
portu
navita
movit
iter
;
Adscensurus
eram
,
nisi
quod
,
cum
vincula
prorae
Solveret
,
in
speculis
omnis
Abydos
erat
.
Non
poteram
celare
meos
,
velut
ante
,
parentes
,
Quemque
tegi
volumus
,
non
latuisset
amor
.
Protinus
haec
scribens
, '
felix
,
i
,
littera
!'
dixi
, '
Iam
tibi
formosam
porriget
illa
manum
.
Forsitan
admotis
etiam
tangere
labellis
,
Rumpere
dum
niveo
vincula
dente
volet
.'
Talibus
exiguo
dictis
mihi
murmure
verbis
,
Cetera
cum
charta
dextra
locuta
mea
est
.
At
quanto
mallem
,
quam
scriberet
,
illa
nataret
,
Meque
per
adsuetas
sedula
ferret
aquas
!
Aptior
illa
quidem
placido
dare
verbera
ponto
;
Est
tamen
et
sensus
apta
ministra
mei
.
Septima
nox
agitur
,
spatium
mihi
longius
anno
,
Sollicitum
raucis
ut
mare
fervet
aquis
.
His
ego
si
vidi
mulcentem
pectora
somnum
Noctibus
,
insani
sit
mora
longa
freti
!
Rupe
sedens
aliqua
specto
tua
litora
tristis
Et
,
quo
non
possum
corpore
,
mente
feror
.
Lumina
quin
etiam
summa
vigilantia
turre
Aut
videt
aut
acies
nostra
videre
putat
.
Ter
mihi
deposita
est
in
sicca
vestis
harena
;
Ter
grave
temptavi
carpere
nudus
iter
Obstitit
inceptis
tumidum
iuvenalibus
aequor
,
Mersit
et
adversis
ora
natantis
aquis
.
At
tu
,
de
rapidis
inmansuetissime
ventis
,
Quid
mecum
certa
proelia
mente
geris
?
In
me
,
si
nescis
,
Borea
,
non
aequora
,
saevis
!
Quid
faceres
,
esset
ni
tibi
notus
amor
?
Tam
gelidus
quod
sis
,
num
te
tamen
,
inprobe
,
quondam
Ignibus
Actaeis
incaluisse
negas
?
Gaudia
rapturo
siquis
tibi
claudere
vellet
Aerios
aditus
,
quo
paterere
modo
?
Parce
,
precor
,
facilemque
move
moderatius
auram
Imperet
Hippotades
sic
tibi
triste
nihil
!
Vana
peto
;
precibusque
meis
obmurmurat
ipse
Quasque
quatit
,
nulla
parte
coercet
aquas
.
Nunc
daret
audaces
utinam
mihi
Daedalus
alas
Icarium
quamvis
hinc
prope
litus
abest
!
Quidquid
erit
,
patiar
,
liceat
modo
corpus
in
auras
Tollere
,
quod
dubia
saepe
pependit
aqua
.
Interea
,
dum
cuncta
negant
ventique
fretumque
,
Mente
agito
furti
tempora
prima
mei
.
Nox
erat
incipiens
namque
est
meminisse
voluptas
Cum
foribus
patriis
egrediebar
amans
.
Nec
mora
,
deposito
pariter
cum
veste
timore
Iactabam
liquido
bracchia
lenta
mari
.
Luna
fere
tremulum
praebebat
lumen
eunti
Ut
comes
in
nostras
officiosa
vias
.
Hanc
ego
suspiciens
, '
faveas
,
dea
candida
,'
dixi
, '
Et
subeant
animo
Latmia
saxa
tuo
!
Non
sinit
Endymion
te
pectoris
esse
severi
.
Flecte
,
precor
,
vultus
ad
mea
furta
tuos
!
Tu
dea
mortalem
caelo
delapsa
petebas
;
Vera
loqui
liceat
! —
quam
sequor
ipsa
dea
est
.
Neu
referam
mores
caelesti
pectore
dignos
,
Forma
nisi
in
veras
non
cadit
illa
deas
.
A
Veneris
facie
non
est
prior
ulla
tuaque
;
Neve
meis
credas
vocibus
,
ipsa
vide
!
Quantum
,
cum
fulges
radiis
argentea
puris
,
Concedunt
flammis
sidera
cuncta
tuis
,
Tanto
formosis
formosior
omnibus
illa
est
.
Si
dubitas
,
caecum
,
Cynthia
,
lumen
habes
.'
Haec
ego
,
vel
certe
non
his
diversa
,
locutus
Per
mihi
cedentes
sponte
ferebar
aquas
.
Unda
repercussae
radiabat
imagine
lunae
,
Et
nitor
in
tacita
nocte
diurnus
erat
;
Nullaque
vox
usquam
,
nullum
veniebat
ad
aures
Praeter
dimotae
corpore
murmur
aquae
.
Alcyones
solae
,
memores
Ceycis
amati
,
Nescio
quid
visae
sunt
mihi
dulce
queri
.
Iamque
fatigatis
umero
sub
utroque
lacertis
Fortiter
in
summas
erigor
altus
aquas
.
Ut
procul
aspexi
lumen
, '
meus
ignis
in
illo
est
:
Illa
meum
,'
dixi
, '
litora
lumen
habent
!'
Et
subito
lassis
vires
rediere
lacertis
,
Visaque
,
quam
fuerat
,
mollior
unda
mihi
.
Frigora
ne
possim
gelidi
sentire
profundi
,
Qui
calet
in
cupido
pectore
,
praestat
amor
.
Quo
magis
accedo
propioraque
litora
fiunt
,
Quoque
minus
restat
,
plus
libet
ire
mihi
.
Cum
vero
possum
cerni
quoque
,
protinus
addis
Spectatrix
animos
,
ut
valeamque
facis
.
Nunc
etiam
nando
dominae
placuisse
laboro
,
Atque
oculis
iacto
bracchia
nostra
tuis
.
Te
tua
vix
prohibet
nutrix
descendere
in
altum
Hoc
quoque
enim
vidi
,
nec
mihi
verba
dabam
.
Nec
tamen
effecit
,
quamvis
retinebat
euntem
,
Ne
fieret
prima
pes
tuus
udus
aqua
.
Excipis
amplexu
feliciaque
oscula
iungis
Oscula
,
di
magni
,
trans
mare
digna
peti
! —
Eque
tuis
demptos
umeris
mihi
tradis
amictus
,
Et
madidam
siccas
aequoris
imbre
comam
.
Cetera
nox
et
nos
et
turris
conscia
novit
,
Quodque
mihi
lumen
per
vada
monstrat
iter
.
Non
magis
illius
numerari
gaudia
noctis
Hellespontiaci
quam
maris
alga
potest
;
Quo
brevius
spatium
nobis
ad
furta
dabatur
,
Hoc
magis
est
cautum
,
ne
foret
illud
iners
.
Iamque
fugatura
Tithoni
coniuge
noctem
Praevius
Aurorae
Lucifer
ortus
erat
;
Oscula
congerimus
properata
sine
ordine
raptim
Et
querimur
parvas
noctibus
esse
moras
.
Atque
ita
cunctatus
monitu
nutricis
amaro
Frigida
deserta
litora
turre
peto
.
Digredimur
flentes
,
repetoque
ego
virginis
aequor
Respiciens
dominam
,
dum
licet
,
usque
meam
.
Siqua
fides
vero
est
,
veniens
hinc
esse
natator
,
Cum
redeo
,
videor
naufragus
esse
mihi
.
Hoc
quoque
,
si
credes
:
ad
te
via
prona
videtur
;
A
te
cum
redeo
,
clivus
inertis
aquae
.
Invitus
repeto
patriam
quis
credere
possit
?
Invitus
certe
nunc
moror
urbe
mea
.
Ei
mihi
!
cur
animis
iuncti
secernimur
undis
,
Unaque
mens
,
tellus
non
habet
una
duos
?
Vel
tua
me
Sestos
,
vel
te
mea
sumat
Abydos
;
Tam
tua
terra
mihi
,
quam
tibi
nostra
placet
.
Cur
ego
confundor
,
quotiens
confunditur
aequor
?
Cur
mihi
,
causa
levis
,
ventus
obesse
potest
?
Iam
nostros
curvi
norunt
delphines
amores
,
Ignotum
nec
me
piscibus
esse
reor
.
Iam
patet
attritus
solitarum
limes
aquarum
,
Non
aliter
multa
quam
via
pressa
rota
.
Quod
mihi
non
esset
nisi
sic
iter
,
ante
querebar
;
At
nunc
per
ventos
hoc
quoque
deesse
queror
.
Fluctibus
inmodicis
Athamantidos
aequora
canent
,
Vixque
manet
portu
tuta
carina
suo
;
Hoc
mare
,
cum
primum
de
virgine
nomina
mersa
,
Quae
tenet
,
est
nanctum
,
tale
fuisse
puto
.
Est
satis
amissa
locus
hic
infamis
ab
Helle
,
Utque
mihi
parcat
,
nomine
crimen
habet
.
Invideo
Phrixo
,
quem
per
freta
tristia
tutum
Aurea
lanigero
vellere
vexit
ovis
;
Nec
tamen
officium
pecoris
navisve
requiro
,
Dummodo
,
quas
findam
corpore
,
dentur
aquae
.
Parte
egeo
nulla
;
fiat
modo
copia
nandi
,
Idem
navigium
,
navita
,
vector
ero
!
Nec
sequor
aut
Helicen
,
aut
,
qua
Tyros
utitur
,
Arcton
;
Publica
non
curat
sidera
noster
amor
.
Andromedan
alius
spectet
claramque
Coronam
,
Quaeque
micat
gelido
Parrhasis
Ursa
polo
;
At
mihi
,
quod
Perseus
et
cum
Iove
Liber
amarunt
,
Indicium
dubiae
non
placet
esse
viae
.
Est
aliud
lumen
,
multo
mihi
certius
istis
,
Non
errat
tenebris
quo
duce
noster
amor
;
Hoc
ego
dum
spectem
,
Colchos
et
in
ultima
Ponti
,
Quaque
viam
fecit
Thessala
pinus
,
eam
,
Et
iuvenem
possim
superare
Palaemona
nando
Morsaque
quem
subito
reddidit
herba
deum
.
Saepe
per
adsiduos
languent
mea
bracchia
motus
,
Vixque
per
inmensas
fessa
trahuntur
aquas
.
His
ego
cum
dixi
: '
pretium
non
vile
laboris
,
Iam
dominae
vobis
colla
tenenda
dabo
,'
Protinus
illa
valent
,
atque
ad
sua
praemia
tendunt
,
Ut
celer
Eleo
carcere
missus
equus
.
Ipse
meos
igitur
servo
,
quibus
uror
,
amores
Teque
,
magis
caelo
digna
puella
,
sequor
.
Digna
quidem
caelo
es
sed
adhuc
tellure
morare
,
Aut
dic
,
ad
superos
et
mihi
qua
sit
iter
!
Hic
es
,
et
exigue
misero
contingis
amanti
,
Cumque
mea
fiunt
turbida
mente
freta
.
Quid
mihi
,
quod
lato
non
separor
aequore
,
prodest
?
Num
minus
haec
nobis
tam
brevis
obstat
aqua
?
An
malim
,
dubito
,
toto
procul
orbe
remotus
Cum
domina
longe
spem
quoque
habere
meam
.
Quo
propius
nunc
es
,
flamma
propiore
calesco
,
Et
res
non
semper
,
spes
mihi
semper
adest
.
Paene
manu
quod
amo
,
tanta
est
vicinia
,
tango
;
Saepe
sed
,
heu
,
lacrimas
hoc
mihi
'
paene
'
movet
!
Velle
quid
est
aliud
fugientia
prendere
poma
Spemque
suo
refugi
fluminis
ore
sequi
?
Ergo
ego
te
numquam
,
nisi
cum
volet
unda
,
tenebo
,
Et
me
felicem
nulla
videbit
hiemps
,
Cumque
minus
firmum
nil
sit
quam
ventus
et
unda
,
In
ventis
et
aqua
spes
mea
semper
erit
?
Aestus
adhuc
tamen
est
.
quid
,
cum
mihi
laeserit
aequor
Plias
et
Arctophylax
Oleniumque
pecus
?
Aut
ego
non
novi
,
quam
sim
temerarius
,
aut
me
In
freta
non
cautus
tum
quoque
mittet
amor
;
Neve
putes
id
me
,
quod
abest
,
promittere
,
tempus
,
Pignora
polliciti
non
tibi
tarda
dabo
.
Sit
tumidum
paucis
etiamnunc
noctibus
aequor
,
Ire
per
invitas
experiemur
aquas
;
Aut
mihi
continget
felix
audacia
salvo
,
Aut
mors
solliciti
finis
amoris
erit
!
Optabo
tamen
ut
partis
expellar
in
illas
,
Et
teneant
portus
naufraga
membra
tuos
;
Flebis
enim
tactuque
meum
dignabere
corpus
Et
'
mortis
,'
dices
, '
huic
ego
causa
fui
!'
Scilicet
interitus
offenderis
omine
nostri
,
Litteraque
invisa
est
hac
mea
parte
tibi
.
Desino
parce
queri
!
sed
uti
mare
finiat
iram
,
Accedant
,
quaeso
,
fac
tua
vota
meis
.
Pace
brevi
nobis
opus
est
,
dum
transferor
isto
;
Cum
tua
contigero
litora
,
perstet
hiemps
!
Istic
est
aptum
nostrae
navale
carinae
,
Et
melius
nulla
stat
mea
puppis
aqua
.
Illic
me
claudat
Boreas
,
ubi
dulce
morari
est
!
Tunc
piger
ad
nandum
,
tunc
ego
cautus
ero
,
Nec
faciam
surdis
convicia
fluctibus
ulla
,
Triste
nataturo
nec
querar
esse
fretum
.
Me
pariter
venti
teneant
tenerique
lacerti
,
Per
causas
istic
inpediarque
duas
!
Cum
patietur
hiemps
,
remis
ego
corporis
utar
;
Lumen
in
adspectu
tu
modo
semper
habe
!
Interea
pro
me
pernoctet
epistula
tecum
,
Quam
precor
ut
minima
prosequar
ipse
mora
!
Leander to Hero LEANDER of Abydos sends, to his girl of Sestos, those wishes for her health, which he would rather bring himself, if the rage of the sea should abate. If the Gods are favorable, and wish well to my love, you will run over this with discontented eyes. But they, alas! are far from being favorable. Why else are my hopes deferred? why am I forbidden to swim over the known seas? You see that the heavens are dark as pitch; the billows swell with the wind, too fierce to be stemmed by the hollow ships. One mariner, more daring than the rest, who brings you this epistle, ventured to leave the harbour. Here I intended to embark, if, when he weighed anchor, all Abydos had not viewed us from the eminences. I could not, as before, have dissembled with my parents, and that love, which prudence requires us to conceal, would no longer have been unknown. Writing being now my only relief, I wrote: Go, said I, happy epistle! Soon, with a graceful smile, will she extend to thee her fair hand. Perhaps too thou mayest be pressed to her ruby lips, as with her ivory teeth she eagerly breaks the seals. After muttering this in gentle whispers, my ready right-hand quickly marked down the rest. How much would I rather it should dash through the swelling flood, than thus in languishing accents write my complaints! How much rather it should bear me sedulous though the well-known waves! Far better does it indeed serve to lash the foamming deep; yet it is no unfit minister of my warmest thoughts and wishes. It is now the seventh night (a space to me more tedious than a year) that the raging sea has tossed her sounding billows. May the angry sea prolong her rage with ten-fold heat, if in all these lingering nights my distracted breast has tasted the sweets of soothing rest! Mounted on some rocky cliff, I pensive view the beloved shore, and am carried in thought whither I cannot convey myself in person. My eyes too behold, or seem to behold, upon the tower's top, the watchful light that is to guide my course. Thrice I stripped, and laid my clothes upon the dry sand; thrice I attempted, naked, the threatening watery way. But the swelling sea opposed my bold youthful attempts, and, as I swam, overwhelmed me with adverse waves. But you, North, the most inexorable of all the raging winds, why do you obstinately raise up against me a malicious opposition? If you are not already aware, know, that It is against me, and not the seas, that you thus terribly rage. What would you do, were you wholly a stranger to love? Cold as you are, perverse Boreas, you cannot deny that you were once warmed by Actæan fires. When keen to snatch the joys of love, had any one shut up the aërial way, how would you have taken it? Pity me then for heaven's sake, and blow more mildly the gentle gales: so may Æolus lay no harsh commands upon you. In vain I beg: he murmurs and rages at my petitions, nor offers to smoothe the billows which he has so violently agitated. Oh that Dædalus would gift me with daring wings! the Icarian shore so near, causes no terror in me. I will boldly venture, whatever be the issue; let me only mount my body aloft in air, as it has often hovered upon uncertain waves. Meantime, while the winds and waves thus cross all my hopes, I revolve in my mind the first moments of our stolen delights. Night was coming on, (for there is a pleasure in calling to remembrance past enjoyments,) when, full of love, I left the gates of my father's house. Then without delay pulling off my clothes, and casting away at the same time all fear, I with pliant arms cut the yielding tide. The Moon, like a faithful attendant to direct my way, furnished a trembling light as I traversed the flood. Regarding her with a wishful look, "Bright Goddess," I said, "favor my design, and call to mind the happy Latmian cliffs. Endymion cannot allow that you should be of an unrelenting mind; favor therefore with a friendly look these my stolen delights. You, though a Goddess, left heaven in quest of a mortal: Why should I not speak the truth? she whom I pursue is a very Goddess. For, not to mention her manners, the truest tokens of a heavenly mind, a beauty so exquisite can only fall to the share of a Goddess. No face, Venus and you excepted, can equal hers: nor trust entirely to my words, but view her yourself. As all the stars of heaven disappear before your superior brightness, when you shine out in the full splendor of your silver rays; in like manner when she approaches, all other beauties are overlooked. To doubt of this, Cynthia, would be owning yourself destitute of sight." Having addressed her thus, or in words to the like purport, I in the silent night bore through the yielding waves. The surface of the deep shone with the reflection of the moon's rays, and in the dead of night was a light clear as that at mid-day. No voice, no sound reached my ears, but the deep murmurs of the broken waves. The king-fishers alone, mind- ful of the once dearly-loved Ceyx, uttered, in the softest strains, I know not what moving complaints. And now my arms from each shoulder being spent with toil, I raise myself high upon the surface of the waves; and discerning at some distance a light, "My flame (cried I) is there; these shores point out the darling light." Swift as though, my wearied arms feel the returning vigor; and the billows seem to bear me up more gently than before. The love that warms my panting breast, prevents me from feeling the coldness of the briny sea. The more I advance, the nearer I come to the wished-for shore: in fine, as the distance lessens, I feel my strength greater to proceed. But no sooner had I come within sight, than, observing you a spectator from the top of your tower, I felt a new accession of spirits, and a fresh tide of vigor, flowing in upon me. I study to please my mistress, by shewing a dexterity in swimming, and toss my arms graceful in her sight. Scarcely was your tender nurse able to restrain you from rushing into the sea. I saw this also; nor was it an artifice to deceive me. Even all her endeavours could not wholly keep you back: you pressed forward to meet me, till your ancles were covered by the dashing waves. You received me into your embraces, and almost smothered me with fragrant kisses; kisses, (great Gods!) more than a full reward for the dangers of crossing the sea. You gave me the robes which you had taken from your own shoulders, and smoothed my locks wet with briny dew. Ourselves, the night, the tower, and that shining light which guided my way through the uncertain deep, were conscious of the rest. The joys of that happy night are no more to be numbered, than the sea-weed cast upon the shore by the raging waves of the Hellespont. The less the time allowed us for these stolen pleasures, the greater was our care that not a moment should be lost. And now, the wife of Tithonus preparing to drive away the night, Lucifer, the fore-runner of Aurora, rose above the earth. We rushed into each other's arms, and mutually snatched the ardent kisses; we complained of the night, that her stay was so short. At length, after many admonitions from your rigid nurse, and as many delays, I left the tower, and took my way to the cold beach. We parted in sadness: I entered the virginsea, often looking back, while my mistress remained in view. If any credit is due to truth, when making for your coast I swim with cease, but, as I return, am threatened to be overwhelmed. Believe me farther when I tell you, that the way to my Hero is by a gently declining path; but in leaving you I seem to climb an immoveable mountain of waves. Who can believe it? I return to my native country with reluctance: it is now against my will that I remain in my own city. Alas! why, when thus conjoined in inclination, are we separated by the waves? Why, as we have the same mind, do we not inhabit the same soil? Let me either dwell in your Sestos, or you in my Abydos; for the earth which you tread is as dear to me, as that which I tread is to you. Why am I thus troubled as often as the sea is disturbed by storms? Why are the winds an unstable cause of anxiety to me/ The bending dolphins are now conscious of out tender loves; nor are the fishes of the sea strangers to my flame. The course of the well-known waves is now distinctly marked, like a high-way paved by the frequent attrition of the chariot-wheel. I have often complained that there was no way given but this: but now I complain that this also is shut up by the cruel winds. The streights of the Hellespont foam by the breaking of the enormous waves; nor are the ships secure even within their harbours. Such, I imagine, was this raging sea, when it first bore the name of the unhappy virgin. This spot is already too infamous by the fate of Helle; and, though I am spared, the name will be a monument of its crime. I envy Phryxus, who safely crossed those stormy seas upon the ram that yielded the golden fleece. Nor do I yet require the aid of ram or bark; let me have only a smooth sea, that with nimble joints I may plough the yielding deep I depend upon no art; let me only have leave to swim; I will at once be ship, mariner, and pilot. I mind not Helice and Arctos, the constellations that guide the Tyrian mariner. A love like mine asks no aid of vulgar stars. Let others observe Andromeda, or the bright diadem of Ariadne, and the Arcadian Bear that sines from the frozen pole. Nymphs loved by Perseus, Jupiter, and Becchus, are by no means wanted to guide my uncertain paths. I trust to another light, whose directions are much safer: while this points out the way, my love can never wander in darkness. By observing this, I may sail to the Colchian realm, the remotest regions of Pontus, and all the coasts visited by the famed Thessalian ship. In swimming, I would bear away the prize from young Palæmon, and from Glaucus, who was suddenly transformed by powerful herbs into a sea-God. My arms often languish through the continued agitation; and, nearly exhausted with toil, are scarcely able to bear me over the wide sea. But when I tell them, You shall soon receive the glorious reward of your labor, and encircle the snowy neck of your amiable mistress, instantly they gather strength, and eagerly strive to obtain their reward, as when a fleet horse starts from the Elean lists. It is mine, therefore, to observe the flames that glow within my breast, and follow you, my charming fair, who better deserve a place among the stars. You merit indeed to be translated into heaven: yet leave not these earthly abodes; or teach me in what manner I also may be exalted among the Gods. You are still here, and yet how seldom in the embraces of your wretched lover! The seas and my mind are in equal disorder. What avails it that I am not separated from you by a vast ocean? Does this narrow streight less oppose our coming together? I doubt whether it would not be better, that, divided from you by earth's whole extent, I might be equally removed from hope and my mistress. The nearer you are, the more violent is the flame that rages within me; and though the object of my hope is often absent, yet hope itself never ceases to haunt me. I almost touch with my hand (so near our abodes) the darling of my soul. But alas! this almost often fills my eyes with sorrowing tears. Wherein loes this differ from catching at the flying apples, or following after the deceitful flood? Shall I then never hold you in my arms, but when the unstable waves permit? Must storms ever be a bar to my happiness? and while nothing is more uncertain than the winds and waves, must my happiness ever depend upon the winds and waves? It is now too the warm season: what am I to expect when the Pleiades, Arctophylax, and the Goat, deform the sea? Either I mistake in judging of the rash attempts of Love, or even then, thoughtless, he will urge me to plunge into the waves. Nor imagine that I promise this because the time is distant; you shall soon have a proof of the reality of my design. Let the sea continue to rage for a few nights longer: I will again attempt to force my way through the opposing billows. Either, happily daring, I shall safely reach your beloved shore, or a speedy death will put an end to all my anxieties. Yet I could wish to be cast where my Hero lives, and that my shipwrecked limbs might be borne into your ports. You will mourn my fate, and honor my breathless body with a last embrace; then sighing, say, "Alas! I have been the cause of his death." Perhaps you will be offended with this threatening omen of a sudden fate, or alarmed by the suspicions which my letter betrays. But I desist: dispel therefore your fears, and join your prayers with mine, that the rage of the sea may abate. It is requisite that it should be calm for a time, till I convey myself to yonder shore: when once I have reached the coast of my Hero, let the storm return in all its violence. There, is the fittest asylum for my shattered bark; there, my ship may with the greatest security ride at anchor. Let the North-wind shut me up there, where delay is sweet. Then, if ever, I shall be averse to swimming, and cautiously avoid danger. No reproaches will be thrown out against the unrelenting waves; no complaints made, that the sea forbids a return to my native shore. Let me be alike detained by the winds and your folding arms: let both these causes conspire to prolong the sweet delay. When the storm abates, my arms shall cut the liquid way: only remember always to place in view the guiding torch. Till then, let this epistle supply my place; and heaven grant that I may follow it without delay.
19
Hero
Leandro
Quam
mihi
misisti
verbis
,
Leandre
,
salutem
Ut
possim
missam
rebus
habere
,
veni
!
Longa
mora
est
nobis
omnis
,
quae
gaudia
differt
.
Da
veniam
fassae
;
non
patienter
amo
!
Urimur
igne
pari
,
sed
sum
tibi
viribus
inpar
:
Fortius
ingenium
suspicor
esse
viris
.
Ut
corpus
,
teneris
ita
mens
infirma
puellis
Deficiam
,
parvi
temporis
adde
moram
!
Vos
modo
venando
,
modo
rus
geniale
colendo
Ponitis
in
varia
tempora
longa
mora
.
Aut
fora
vos
retinent
aut
unctae
dona
palaestrae
,
Flectitis
aut
freno
colla
sequacis
equi
;
Nunc
volucrem
laqueo
,
nunc
piscem
ducitis
hamo
;
Diluitur
posito
serior
hora
mero
.
His
mihi
summotae
,
vel
si
minus
acriter
urar
,
Quod
faciam
,
superest
praeter
amare
nihil
.
Quod
superest
facio
,
teque
,
o
mea
sola
voluptas
,
Plus
quoque
,
quam
reddi
quod
mihi
possit
,
amo
!
Aut
ego
cum
cana
de
te
nutrice
susurro
,
Quaeque
tuum
,
miror
,
causa
moretur
iter
;
Aut
mare
prospiciens
odioso
concita
vento
Corripio
verbis
aequora
paene
tuis
;
Aut
,
ubi
saevitiae
paulum
gravis
unda
remisit
,
Posse
quidem
,
sed
te
nolle
venire
,
queror
;
Dumque
queror
lacrimae
per
amantia
lumina
manant
,
Pollice
quas
tremulo
conscia
siccat
anus
.
Saepe
tui
specto
si
sint
in
litore
passus
,
Inpositas
tamquam
servet
harena
notas
;
Utque
rogem
de
te
et
scribam
tibi
,
siquis
Abydo
Venerit
,
aut
,
quaero
,
siquis
Abydon
eat
.
Quid
referam
,
quotiens
dem
vestibus
oscula
,
quas
tu
Hellespontiaca
ponis
iturus
aqua
?
Sic
ubi
lux
acta
est
et
noctis
amicior
hora
Exhibuit
pulso
sidera
clara
die
,
Protinus
in
summo
vigilantia
lumina
tecto
Ponimus
,
adsuetae
signa
notamque
viae
,
Tortaque
versato
ducentes
stamina
fuso
Feminea
tardas
fallimus
arte
moras
.
Quid
loquar
interea
tam
longo
tempore
,
quaeris
?
Nil
nisi
Leandri
nomen
in
ore
meo
est
. '
Iamne
putas
exisse
domo
mea
gaudia
,
nutrix
,
An
vigilant
omnes
,
et
timet
ille
suos
?
Iamne
suas
umeris
illum
deponere
vestes
,
Pallade
iam
pingui
tinguere
membra
putas
?'
Adnuit
illa
fere
;
non
nostra
quod
oscula
curet
,
Sed
movet
obrepens
somnus
anile
caput
.
Postque
morae
minimum
'
iam
certe
navigat
,'
inquam
, '
Lentaque
dimotis
bracchia
iactat
aquis
.'
Paucaque
cum
tacta
perfeci
stamina
terra
,
An
medio
possis
,
quaerimus
,
esse
freto
.
Et
modo
prospicimus
,
timida
modo
voce
precamur
,
Ut
tibi
det
faciles
utilis
aura
vias
;
Auribus
incertas
voces
captamus
,
et
omnem
Adventus
strepitum
credimus
esse
tui
.
Sic
ubi
deceptae
pars
est
mihi
maxima
noctis
Acta
,
subit
furtim
lumina
fessa
sopor
.
Forsitan
invitus
mecum
tamen
,
inprobe
,
dormis
,
Et
,
quamquam
non
vis
ipse
venire
,
venis
.
Nam
modo
te
videor
prope
iam
spectare
natantem
,
Bracchia
nunc
umeris
umida
ferre
meis
,
Nunc
dare
,
quae
soleo
,
madidis
velamina
membris
,
Pectora
nunc
nostro
iuncta
fovere
sinu
Multaque
praeterea
linguae
reticenda
modestae
,
Quae
fecisse
iuvat
,
facta
referre
pudet
.
Me
miseram
!
brevis
est
haec
et
non
vera
voluptas
;
Nam
tu
cum
somno
semper
abire
soles
.
Firmius
,
o
,
cupidi
tandem
coeamus
amantes
,
Nec
careant
vera
gaudia
nostra
fide
!
Cur
ego
tot
viduas
exegi
frigida
noctes
?
Cur
totiens
a
me
,
lente
morator
,
abes
?
Est
mare
,
confiteor
,
non
nunc
tractabile
nanti
;
Nocte
sed
hesterna
lenior
aura
fuit
.
Cur
ea
praeterita
est
?
cur
non
ventura
timebas
?
Tam
bona
cur
periit
,
nec
tibi
rapta
via
est
?
Protinus
ut
similis
detur
tibi
copia
cursus
,
Hoc
melior
certe
,
quo
prior
,
illa
fuit
.
At
cito
mutata
est
pacati
forma
profundi
.
Tempore
,
cum
properas
,
saepe
minore
venis
.
Hic
,
puto
,
deprensus
nil
,
quod
querereris
,
haberes
,
Meque
tibi
amplexo
nulla
noceret
hiemps
.
Certe
ego
tum
ventos
audirem
laeta
sonantis
,
Et
numquam
placidas
esse
precarer
aquas
.
Quid
tamen
evenit
,
cur
sis
metuentior
undae
Contemptumque
prius
nunc
vereare
fretum
?
Nam
memini
,
cum
te
saevum
veniente
minaxque
Non
minus
,
aut
multo
non
minus
,
aequor
erat
;
Cum
tibi
clamabam
: '
sic
tu
temerarius
esto
,
Ne
miserae
virtus
sit
tua
flenda
mihi
!'
Unde
novus
timor
hic
,
quoque
illa
audacia
fugit
?
Magnus
ubi
est
spretis
ille
natator
aquis
?
Sis
tamen
hoc
potius
,
quam
quod
prius
esse
solebas
,
Et
facias
placidum
per
mare
tutus
iter
Dummodo
sis
idem
,
dum
sic
,
ut
scribis
,
amemur
,
Flammaque
non
fiat
frigidus
illa
cinis
.
Non
ego
tam
ventos
timeo
mea
vota
morantes
,
Quam
similis
vento
ne
tuus
erret
amor
,
Ne
non
sim
tanti
,
superentque
pericula
causam
,
Et
videar
merces
esse
labore
minor
.
Interdum
metuo
,
patria
ne
laedar
et
inpar
Dicar
Abydeno
Thressa
puella
toro
.
Ferre
tamen
possum
patientius
omnia
,
quam
si
Otia
nescio
qua
paelice
captus
agis
,
In
tua
si
veniunt
alieni
colla
lacerti
,
Fitque
novus
nostri
finis
amoris
amor
.
A
,
potius
peream
,
quam
crimine
vulnerer
isto
,
Fataque
sint
culpa
nostra
priora
tua
!
Nec
,
quia
venturi
dederis
mihi
signa
doloris
,
Haec
loquor
aut
fama
sollicitata
nova
.
Omnia
sed
vereor
quis
enim
securus
amavit
?
Cogit
et
absentes
plura
timere
locus
.
Felices
illas
,
sua
quas
praesentia
nosse
Crimina
vera
iubet
,
falsa
timere
vetat
!
Nos
tam
vana
movet
,
quam
facta
iniuria
fallit
,
Incitat
et
morsus
error
uterque
pares
.
O
utinam
venias
,
aut
ut
ventusve
paterve
Causaque
sit
certe
femina
nulla
morae
!
Quodsi
quam
sciero
,
moriar
,
mihi
crede
,
dolendo
;
Iamdudum
pecca
,
si
mea
fata
petis
!
Sed
neque
peccabis
,
frustraque
ego
terreor
istis
,
Quoque
minus
venias
,
invida
pugnat
hiemps
.
Me
miseram
!
quanto
planguntur
litora
fluctu
,
Et
latet
obscura
condita
nube
dies
!
Forsitan
ad
pontum
mater
pia
venerit
Helles
,
Mersaque
roratis
nata
fleatur
aquis
An
mare
ab
inviso
privignae
nomine
dictum
Vexat
in
aequoream
versa
noverca
deam
?
Non
favet
,
ut
nunc
est
,
teneris
locus
iste
puellis
;
Hac
Helle
periit
,
hac
ego
laedor
aqua
.
At
tibi
flammarum
memori
,
Neptune
,
tuarum
Nullus
erat
ventis
inpediendus
amor
Si
neque
Amymone
nec
,
laudatissima
forma
,
Criminis
est
Tyro
fabula
vana
tui
,
Lucidaque
Alcyone
Calyceque
Hecataeone
nata
,
Et
nondum
nexis
angue
Medusa
comis
,
Flavaque
Laudice
caeloque
recepta
Celaeno
,
Et
quarum
memini
nomina
lecta
mihi
.
Has
certe
pluresque
canunt
,
Neptune
,
poetae
Molle
latus
lateri
conposuisse
tuo
.
Cur
igitur
,
totiens
vires
expertus
amoris
,
Adsuetum
nobis
turbine
claudis
iter
?
Parce
,
ferox
,
latoque
mari
tua
proelia
misce
!
Seducit
terras
haec
brevis
unda
duas
.
Te
decet
aut
magnas
magnum
iactare
carinas
,
Aut
etiam
totis
classibus
esse
trucem
;
Turpe
deo
pelagi
iuvenem
terrere
natantem
,
Gloriaque
est
stagno
quolibet
ista
minor
.
Nobilis
ille
quidem
est
et
clarus
origine
,
sed
non
A
tibi
suspecto
ducit
Ulixe
genus
.
Da
veniam
servaque
duos
!
natat
ille
,
sed
isdem
Corpus
Leandri
,
spes
mea
pendet
aquis
.
Sternuit
en
lumen
! —
posito
nam
scribimus
illo
Sternuit
et
nobis
prospera
signa
dedit
.
Ecce
,
merum
nutrix
faustos
instillat
in
ignes
, '
Cras
'
que
'
erimus
plures
,'
inquit
,
et
ipsa
bibit
.
Effice
nos
plures
,
evicta
per
aequora
lapsus
,
O
penitus
toto
corde
recepte
mihi
!
In
tua
castra
redi
,
socii
desertor
amoris
;
Ponuntur
medio
cur
mea
membra
toro
?
Quod
timeas
,
non
est
!
auso
Venus
ipsa
favebit
,
Sternet
et
aequoreas
aequore
nata
vias
.
Ire
libet
medias
ipsi
mihi
saepe
per
undas
,
Sed
solet
hoc
maribus
tutius
esse
fretum
.
Nam
cur
hac
vectis
Phrixo
Phrixique
sorore
Sola
dedit
vastis
femina
nomen
aquis
?
Forsitan
ad
reditum
metuas
ne
tempora
desint
,
Aut
gemini
nequeas
ferre
laboris
onus
.
At
nos
diversi
medium
coeamus
in
aequor
Obviaque
in
summis
oscula
demus
aquis
,
Atque
ita
quisque
suas
iterum
redeamus
ad
urbes
;
Exiguum
,
sed
plus
quam
nihil
illud
erit
!
Vel
pudor
hic
utinam
,
qui
nos
clam
cogit
amare
,
Vel
timidus
famae
cedere
vellet
amor
!
Nunc
,
male
res
iunctae
,
calor
et
reverentia
pugnant
.
Quid
sequar
,
in
dubio
est
;
haec
decet
,
ille
iuvat
.
Ut
semel
intravit
Colchos
Pagasaeus
Iason
,
Inpositam
celeri
Phasida
puppe
tulit
;
Ut
semel
Idaeus
Lacedaemona
venit
adulter
,
Cum
praeda
rediit
protinus
ille
sua
.
Tu
quam
saepe
petis
,
quod
amas
,
tam
saepe
relinquis
,
Et
quotiens
grave
sit
puppibus
ire
,
natas
.
Sic
tamen
,
o
iuvenis
tumidarum
victor
aquarum
,
Sic
facito
spernas
,
ut
vereare
,
fretum
!
Arte
laboratae
merguntur
ab
aequore
naves
;
Tu
tua
plus
remis
bracchia
posse
putas
?
Quod
cupis
,
hoc
nautae
metuunt
,
Leandre
,
natare
;
Exitus
hic
fractis
puppibus
esse
solet
.
Me
miseram
!
cupio
non
persuadere
,
quod
hortor
,
Sisque
,
precor
,
monitis
fortior
ipse
meis
Dummodo
pervenias
excussaque
saepe
per
undas
Inicias
umeris
bracchia
lassa
meis
!
Sed
mihi
,
caeruleas
quotiens
obvertor
ad
undas
,
Nescio
quo
pavidum
frigore
pectus
hebet
.
Nec
minus
hesternae
confundor
imagine
noctis
,
Quamvis
est
sacris
illa
piata
meis
.
Namque
sub
aurora
,
iam
dormitante
lucerna
,
Somnia
quo
cerni
tempore
vera
solent
,
Stamina
de
digitis
cecidere
sopore
remissis
,
Collaque
pulvino
nostra
ferenda
dedi
.
Hic
ego
ventosas
nantem
delphina
per
undas
Cernere
non
dubia
sum
mihi
visa
fide
,
Quem
postquam
bibulis
inlisit
fluctus
harenis
,
Unda
simul
miserum
vitaque
deseruit
.
Quidquid
id
est
,
timeo
;
nec
tu
mea
somnia
ride
Nec
nisi
tranquillo
bracchia
crede
mari
!
Si
tibi
non
parcis
,
dilectae
parce
puellae
,
Quae
numquam
nisi
te
sospite
sospes
ero
!
Spes
tamen
est
fractis
vicinae
pacis
in
undis
;
Tu
placidas
toto
pectore
finde
vias
!
Interea
nanti
,
quoniam
freta
pervia
non
sunt
,
Leniat
invisas
littera
missa
moras
.
Hero to Leander COME, my Leander, that I may really enjoy that welfare which you so kindly wish me in your letter. Every delay that stands in the way of our happiness seems doubly tedious. Pardon the confession; but I love not according to the common measure. We glow with an equal flame; but my strength is unequal to yours; for I imagine that men are endued with more steady and resolute souls. In women the mind is weak, as well as the body. Delay a little longer, and I sink under the weight of your absence. You can elude the tedious hours, by differently dividing your time; sometimes intent upon hunting, sometimes employed in cultivating the prolific earth. The forum perhaps may interpose, or the inviting honors of the palæstra: perhaps you are busy in forming the generous steed, and teaching him to obey the rein. Now snares are laid for the feathered tribe; now hooks are baited for the finny prey; and the lingering hours of night are lost in copious goblets of wine. As for me, to whom all these reliefs are denied, what remains, were I even less the slave of a headstrong passion, but to love and endure? It is so: I indulge this sole relief, and love you, O my only happiness, above expression or return. Either I engage with my faithful nurse in silent discourse about you, and wonder what cause can so long delay your coming; or, casting a look upon the sea, I chide, almost in your own words, the waves tossed by spiteful winds: or, when the angry sea remits a little of its rage, I complain that you might, but have no desire to come. Amidst these complaints, the tears flow in streams from my love-sick eyes, and are wiped away by the trembling hand of my aged nurse. I often search if I can find the prints of your feet upon the shore, as if sand could retain the deepening mark. Eager to hear of you, or write to you, I am always enquiring whether any one has arrived from Abydos, or who thinks of going thither. Why should I mention the many kisses I lavish upon the clothes you put off, when about to plunge into the waters of the Hellespont? But when light vanishes, and the more friendly hour of night, in chasing away the day, exhibits the sparkling stars; forthwith we plant the watchful light upon the tower's top, the known guide and mark of your watery way; and, lengthening by the swiftly-turning spindle the twisted threads, elude the tedious hours in feminine employment. Perhaps you may enquire what I am talking all this while. No name but that of Leander is in your Hero's mouth. "What do you say, my nurse; do you think that my only hope has yet left his father's house? or are all awake, and is he afraid of being observed by his parents? Do you think that he is now pulling the clothes from his shoulders, and anointing his limbs with oil?" She gives a nod of assent; not that she is moved by my embraces, but sleep, gently stealing upon her, shakes her aged head. Then, after a short delay, I say, "It is certain now that he swims, and tosses his pliant arms amidst the yielding waves." Then, after finishing a few treads, in letting the winding spindle touch the ground, I ask whether you may have yet reached the middle of the streight. Sometimes I look wishfully forward; sometimes I pray with a faltering voice, that propitious gales may give you an easy run. I greedily catch at every sound, and fondly imagine I hear the noise of your approach. When thus the greater part of the eluded night is past, sleep insensibly steals upon my wearied eyes. Then in dreams I find you by my side, and perhaps much against your will, you are induced to come. For sometimes I seem to behold you swimming near the shore, sometimes you recline your humid arms upon my shoulders: now I reach you the robe to throw round your yet moist limbs; anon I clasp you shivering to my panting breast; with much more besides, not fit to be mentioned by a modest pen; what in doing may give great pleasure, but which when done delicacy forbids me to name. Unhappy wretch! it is but a short and fleeting pleasure; for you always vanish with my dream. Grant, Heaven, that such ardent lovers may at length be joined together by surer bonds, nor let our enjoyments be destitute of a firm basis. Why have I passed cold and comfortless so many solitary nights? Why, my dear swimmer, are you so slow; why so often absent from me? The sea, I own, is rough and intractable; but last night it blew a gentler gale. Why was that opportunity lost? why did you not dread that following storms might hinder you? why was so fair an offer suffered to escape, and no attempt made? Should a like opportunity of crossing with case invite you, yet the other, as first in time, was far the best. Soon, it is true, was the face of the troubled deep changed: but, when eager, you have hastened across it in a shorter time. If you are detained here by storms, ought this to make you complain? No tempestuous sea can hurt you when locked in my embraces. I could then calmly listen to the loud threatening winds, nor fatigue Heaven with prayers to smooth the swelling deep. But what has lately happended to cause this unusual dread of the sea? why do you tremble at those waves you formerly despised? For I remember your coming when the sea was no less obstinate and threatening, or at least not much less so. Then I conjured you to be wisely daring, that I might not have cause to lament the fatal effects of your boldness. Whence arises this new fear? Whither has your former courage fled? where is that illustrious swimmer, who nobly despised the threatening waves? Yet rather continue thus, than again expose yourself to former hazards, and plunge secure into a calm inviting sea; provided only you are unalterably the same, provided you love with the same ardor with which you write, and this noble flame never changes into cold lifeless ashes. I am not so much afraid of the winds that disappoint my earnest wishes, as of your love, that it may prove, like the wind, changeable and inconstant. I fear the not being held in the same esteem; that the dangers may be thought greater than the reward, or that I am accounted too mean a recompence of your toil. Sometimes I am uneasy, from an idea that my country may detract from me, and that a Thracian girl may seem an unequal match for a citizen of Abydos. Yet I can patiently bear any affliction whatever, sooner than the apprehension of your being detained by another flame. Ah! let me rather perish, than suffer under so cruel a distress; may fate end my days before I hear of the dreadful crime! Nor do I mention this from any reason you give me to suspect approaching grief, or because I am alarmed by some new spreading rumor. But I am subject to every fear; (for when did love yet settle in a quiet mind?) distance and absence feed my anxious thoughts. Happy they, who, always together, know at once what they have to fear, nor feel the piercing grief of false alarms. We are as much disturbed by unjust fears, as ignorant of real injuries; and each error begets equal anxiety. Oh how I wish that you were here, that either the winds or your parents, and no rival fair, may be the cause of your long stay! For, believe me, to hear of a rival would kill me with grief; and it is now long that you have been in fault, if you thus aim at my destruction. But you are not in fault: these my terrors I know are groundless; the envious winds alone oppose your desired approach. Dreadful! how the shores are lashed by the vast billows! How the day is hidden by gathering clouds! Perhaps the disconsolate mother of Helle hovers over the deep, and her unhappy daughter is lamented in distilling drops. Or does her step-mother, changed into a sea-goddess, deform the channel that bears the hated name of her daughter-in-law? This sea, such as it is now, is far from being propitious to tender maids. Here Helle perished: I also am crossed by these obstinate waves. But you surely, Neptune, if you call to mind your many flames, can never be an enemy to gentle love; if neither Amymone, nor Tyro of exquisite form, are vain rumours of your guilt; if fair Alcyone, Circe, and the daughter of Alymone; Medusa (her hair not yet wreathed with serpents), blooming Laodice, and Celæno ranked among the stars, with many other names I remember to have read, were ever dear to you. These, Neptune, with many more, are sung by the poets to have lain in your embraces. Why then, having yourself so often felt the power of love, do you shut up the accustomed way by rough whirlwinds? Be mild, stern father, and reserve your tumults for the wide ocean. This is merely an arm of the sea, that disjoins two neighbouring tracts. It is yours, triumphant, to toss the vast bulk of ships, or sternly boisterous disperse whole fleets. It is below the God of the ocean to terrify an adventurous youth; a praise unworthy the boast of the meanest lake. He indeed is the noble offspring of an illustrious line, but derives not his pedigree from Ulysses of hated memory. Permit him then to come, and save the life of two. He only, it is true, swims; but my hope hangs upon the same waves with Leander. Hark! the taper crackles; for it burns beside me as I write: it crackles, and gives propitious signs. See, my nurse pours wine upon flames that yield a favorable omen: she cries, To-morrow we shall be more, and bears the goblet to her mouth. O Leander, whose image only fills my heart, strive to surmount the dividing waves, and add in yourself another to our number. Return to your own camp, thou deserter of social love. Why are my limbs single in the midst of the bed? Nor is there any ground of fear: Venus herself will favour the attempt; and, sprung from the sea, will smooth the sea-green way. I have oft myself resolved to plunge amidst the waves; but this stormy streight is more favorable to the other sex. For why, when attempted by Phryxus and his sister, did she only give name to this vast bulk of water? Perhaps you fear there will be no opportunity of returning, or you cannot bear a weight of double toil. Let us then, setting out from opposite shores, meet in the midst of the sea, and snatch the mutual kisses upon the surface of the waves. Let us then each return home; a small enjoyment indeed, but still better than none! How could I wish that powerful shame, which obliges us thus to conceal our love, would yield to desire, or trembling love give way to the dictates of fame! Honor and passion (things alas! incompatible) combat each other. Which shall I follow, or where end my suspense? On one side is decency, on the other pleasure. Jason of Thessaly, soon after entering Colchis, bore away Medea in his nimble bark. When the faithless Trojan had once arrived at Lacedæmon, he quickly returned triumphant with his prey. As often as you grasp the object of your love, you abandon her; and swim even then when it is dangerous for ships to cut the liquid way. But yet remember, O daring youth, who have so often braved the swelling waves, that you so despise the threatening deep, as not to venture rashly in times of danger. Ships, formed with exquisite art, are often mastered by the foaming sea: can your feeble arms cut the deep like laboring oars? You, Leander, fondly spring forward to swim, an attempt that startles the daring mariner; this is their last resource when compelled by shipwreck. Alas, how unhappy! I want to dissuade you from what I yet carnestly wish, and pray you may be bolder than my own admonitions allow: yet so that you may still come safe, and clasp my exulting shoulders with your wearied arms, often plunged in the foaming waves. But as often as I turn my eyes towards the blue extent of the sea, I know not what coldness spreads over my panting breast. Nor am I less disturbed by the vision of last night, although expiated by many sacred rites. For about the approach of morning, when the taper gave a faint and glimmering light (at the time when dreams are usually accounted true), my fingers, deadened with sleep, had dropped the lengthening threads, and my neck was gently reclined on the barren ridge. Here I espied a dolphin glide through the raging waves: I saw it a real spectre, and no deluding phantom; which, after being dashed by the waves upon the bubbling sand, was at once abandoned byits element and life. Whatever it may portend, I am full of fears. Despise not the ominous dream, nor trust your limbs but to a calm unruffled sea. If you are regardless of yourself, yet think of your dearer half, who will never be able to survive your untimely fate. But I hope for a sudden calm to the troubled waves; then plunge with safety, and glide along the level tides. Meantime, as the threatening waves forbid your desired course, let this epistle soften the hated delays.
20 Acontius Cydippae
Accipe
, Cydippe,
despecti
nomen
Aconti
,
Illius
,
in
pomo
qui
tibi
verba
dedit
.
Pone
metum
!
nihil
hic
iterum
iurabis
amanti
;
Promissam
satis
est
te
semel
esse
mihi
.
Perlege
!
discedat
sic
corpore
languor
ab
isto
,
Quod
meus
est
ulla
parte
dolere
dolor
!
Quid
pudor
ante
subit
?
nam
,
sicut
in
aede
Dianae
,
Suspicor
ingenuas
erubuisse
genas
.
Coniugium
pactamque
fidem
,
non
crimina
posco
;
Debitus
ut
coniunx
,
non
ut
adulter
amo
.
Verba
licet
repetas
,
quae
demptus
ab
arbore
fetus
Pertulit
ad
castas
me
iaciente
manus
;
Invenies
illic
,
id
te
spondere
,
quod
opto
Te
potius
,
virgo
,
quam
meminisse
deam
.
Nunc
quoque
avemus
idem
,
sed
idem
tamen
acrius
illud
;
Adsumpsit
vires
auctaque
flamma
mora
est
,
Quique
fuit
numquam
parvus
,
nunc
tempore
longo
Et
spe
,
quam
dederas
tu
mihi
,
crevit
amor
.
Spem
mihi
tu
dederas
,
meus
hic
tibi
credidit
ardor
.
Non
potes
hoc
factum
teste
negare
dea
.
Adfuit
et
,
praesens
ut
erat
,
tua
verba
notavit
Et
visa
est
mota
dicta
tulisse
coma
.
Deceptam
dicas
nostra
te
fraude
licebit
,
Dum
fraudis
nostrae
causa
feratur
amor
.
Fraus
mea
quid
petiit
,
nisi
uti
tibi
iungerer
,
unum
?
Id
te
,
quod
quereris
,
conciliare
potest
.
Non
ego
natura
nec
sum
tam
callidus
usu
;
Sollertem
tu
me
,
crede
,
puella
,
facis
.
Te
mihi
conpositis
siquid
tamen
egimus
a
me
Adstrinxit
verbis
ingeniosus
Amor
.
Dictatis
ab
eo
feci
sponsalia
verbis
,
Consultoque
fui
iuris
Amore
vafer
.
Sit
fraus
huic
facto
nomen
,
dicarque
dolosus
,
Si
tamen
est
,
quod
ames
,
velle
tenere
dolus
!
En
,
iterum
scribo
mittoque
rogantia
verba
!
Altera
fraus
haec
est
,
quodque
queraris
habes
.
Si
noceo
,
quod
amo
,
fateor
,
sine
fine
nocebo
,
Teque
,
peti
caveas
tu
licet
,
usque
petam
.
Per
gladios
alii
placitas
rapuere
puellas
;
Scripta
mihi
caute
littera
crimen
erit
?
Di
faciant
,
possim
plures
inponere
nodos
,
Ut
tua
sit
nulla
libera
parte
fides
!
Mille
doli
restant
clivo
sudamus
in
imo
;
Ardor
inexpertum
nil
sinet
esse
meus
.
Sit
dubium
,
possisne
capi
;
captabere
certe
.
Exitus
in
dis
est
,
sed
capiere
tamen
.
Ut
partem
effugias
,
non
omnia
retia
falles
,
Quae
tibi
,
quam
credis
,
plura
tetendit
Amor
.
Si
non
proficient
artes
,
veniemus
ad
arma
,
Inque
tui
cupido
rapta
ferere
sinu
.
Non
sum
,
qui
soleam
Paridis
reprehendere
factum
,
Nec
quemquam
,
qui
vir
,
posset
ut
esse
,
fuit
.
Nos
quoque
sed
taceo
!
mors
huius
poena
rapinae
Ut
sit
,
erit
,
quam
te
non
habuisse
,
minor
.
Aut
esses
formosa
minus
,
peterere
modeste
;
Audaces
facie
cogimur
esse
tua
.
Tu
facis
hoc
oculique
tui
,
quibus
ignea
cedunt
Sidera
,
qui
flammae
causa
fuere
meae
;
Hoc
faciunt
flavi
crines
et
eburnea
cervix
,
Quaeque
,
precor
,
veniant
in
mea
colla
manus
,
Et
decor
et
vultus
sine
rusticitate
pudentes
,
Et
,
Thetidis
qualis
vix
rear
esse
,
pedes
.
Cetera
si
possem
laudare
,
beatior
essem
,
Nec
dubito
,
totum
quin
sibi
par
sit
opus
.
Hac
ego
conpulsus
,
non
est
mirabile
,
forma
Si
pignus
volui
vocis
habere
tuae
.
Denique
,
dum
captam
tu
te
cogare
fateri
,
Insidiis
esto
capta
puella
meis
.
Invidiam
patiar
;
passo
sua
praemia
dentur
.
Cur
suus
a
tanto
crimine
fructus
abest
?
Hesionen
Telamon
,
Briseida
cepit
Achilles
;
Utraque
victorem
nempe
secuta
virum
.
Quamlibet
accuses
et
sis
irata
licebit
,
Irata
liceat
dum
mihi
posse
frui
.
Idem
,
qui
facimus
,
factam
tenuabimus
iram
,
Copia
placandi
sit
modo
parva
tui
.
Ante
tuos
liceat
flentem
consistere
vultus
Et
liceat
lacrimis
addere
verba
suis
,
Utque
solent
famuli
,
cum
verbera
saeva
verentur
,
Tendere
submissas
ad
tua
crura
manus
!
Ignoras
tua
iura
;
voca
!
cur
arguor
absens
?
Iamdudum
dominae
more
venire
iube
.
Ipsa
meos
scindas
licet
imperiosa
capillos
,
Oraque
sint
digitis
livida
nostra
tuis
.
Omnia
perpetiar
;
tantum
fortasse
timebo
,
Corpore
laedatur
ne
manus
ista
meo
.
Sed
neque
conpedibus
nec
me
conpesce
catenis
Servabor
firmo
vinctus
amore
tui
!
Cum
bene
se
quantumque
voles
satiaverit
ira
,
Ipsa
tibi
dices
: '
quam
patienter
amat
!'
Ipsa
tibi
dices
,
ubi
videris
omnia
ferri
: '
Tam
bene
qui
servit
,
serviat
iste
mihi
!'
Nunc
reus
infelix
absens
agor
,
et
mea
,
cum
sit
Optima
,
non
ullo
causa
tuente
perit
.
Hoc
quoque
quantumvis
sit
scriptum
iniuria
nostrum
,
Quod
de
me
solo
,
nempe
,
queraris
,
habes
.
Non
meruit
falli
mecum
quoque
Delia
;
si
non
Vis
mihi
promissum
reddere
,
redde
deae
.
Adfuit
et
vidit
,
cum
tu
decepta
rubebas
,
Et
vocem
memori
condidit
aure
tuam
.
Omina
re
careant
!
nihil
est
violentius
illa
,
Cum
sua
,
quod
nolim
,
numina
laesa
videt
.
Testis
erit
Calydonis
aper
,
sic
saevus
,
ut
illo
Sit
magis
in
natum
saeva
reperta
parens
.
Testis
et
Actaeon
,
quondam
fera
creditus
illis
,
Ipse
dedit
leto
cum
quibus
ante
feras
;
Quaeque
superba
parens
saxo
per
corpus
oborto
Nunc
quoque
Mygdonia
flebilis
adstat
humo
.
Ei
mihi
!
Cydippe
,
timeo
tibi
dicere
verum
,
Ne
videar
causa
falsa
monere
mea
;
Dicendum
tamen
est
.
hoc
est
,
mihi
crede
,
quod
aegra
Ipso
nubendi
tempore
saepe
iaces
.
Consulit
ipsa
tibi
,
neu
sis
periura
,
laborat
,
Et
salvam
salva
te
cupit
esse
fide
.
Inde
fit
ut
,
quotiens
existere
perfida
temptas
,
Peccatum
totiens
corrigat
illa
tuum
.
Parce
movere
feros
animosae
virginis
arcus
;
Mitis
adhuc
fieri
,
si
patiare
,
potest
.
Parce
,
precor
,
teneros
corrumpere
febribus
artus
;
Servetur
facies
ista
fruenda
mihi
.
Serventur
vultus
ad
nostra
incendia
nati
,
Quique
subest
niveo
lenis
in
ore
rubor
.
Hostibus
et
siquis
,
ne
fias
nostra
,
repugnat
,
Sic
sit
ut
invalida
te
solet
esse
mihi
!
Torqueor
ex
aequo
vel
te
nubente
vel
aegra
Dicere
nec
possum
,
quid
minus
ipse
velim
;
Maceror
interdum
,
quod
sim
tibi
causa
dolendi
Teque
mea
laedi
calliditate
puto
.
In
caput
ut
nostrum
dominae
periuria
quaeso
Eveniant
;
poena
tuta
sit
illa
mea
!
Ne
tamen
ignorem
,
quid
agas
,
ad
limina
crebro
Anxius
huc
illuc
dissimulanter
eo
;
Subsequor
ancillam
furtim
famulumque
,
requirens
Profuerint
somni
quid
tibi
quidve
cibi
.
Me
miserum
,
quod
non
medicorum
iussa
ministro
,
Effingoque
manus
,
adsideoque
toro
!
Et
rursus
miserum
,
quod
me
procul
inde
remoto
,
Quem
minime
vellem
,
forsitan
alter
adest
!
Ille
manus
istas
effingit
,
et
adsidet
aegrae
Invisus
superis
cum
superisque
mihi
,
Dumque
suo
temptat
salientem
pollice
venam
,
Candida
per
causam
bracchia
saepe
tenet
,
Contrectatque
sinus
,
et
forsitan
oscula
iungit
.
Officio
merces
plenior
ista
suo
est
!
Quis
tibi
permisit
nostras
praecerpere
messes
?
Ad
saepem
alterius
quis
tibi
fecit
iter
?
Iste
sinus
meus
est
!
mea
turpiter
oscula
sumis
!
A
mihi
promisso
corpore
tolle
manus
!
Inprobe
,
tolle
manus
!
quam
tangis
,
nostra
futura
est
;
Postmodo
si
facies
istud
,
adulter
eris
.
Elige
de
vacuis
quam
non
sibi
vindicet
alter
;
Si
nescis
,
dominum
res
habet
ista
suum
.
Nec
mihi
credideris
recitetur
formula
pacti
;
Neu
falsam
dicas
esse
,
fac
ipsa
legat
!
Alterius
thalamo
,
tibi
nos
,
tibi
dicimus
,
exi
!
Quid
facis
hic
?
exi
!
non
vacat
iste
torus
!
Nam
quod
habes
et
tu
gemini
verba
altera
pacti
,
Non
erit
idcirco
par
tua
causa
meae
.
Haec
mihi
se
pepigit
,
pater
hanc
tibi
,
primus
ab
illa
;
Sed
propior
certe
quam
pater
ipsa
sibi
est
.
Promisit
pater
hanc
,
haec
se
iuravit
amanti
;
Ille
homines
,
haec
est
testificata
deam
.
Hic
metuit
mendax
,
haec
et
periura
vocari
;
An
dubitas
,
hic
sit
maior
an
ille
metus
?
Denique
,
ut
amborum
conferre
pericula
possis
,
Respice
ad
eventus
haec
cubat
,
ille
valet
.
Nos
quoque
dissimili
certamina
mente
subimus
;
Nec
spes
par
nobis
nec
timor
aequus
adest
.
Tu
petis
ex
tuto
;
gravior
mihi
morte
repulsa
est
,
Idque
ego
iam
,
quod
tu
forsan
amabis
,
amo
.
Si
tibi
iustitiae
,
si
recti
cura
fuisset
,
Cedere
debueras
ignibus
ipse
meis
.
Nunc
,
quoniam
ferus
hic
pro
causa
pugnat
iniqua
,
Ad
quid
,
Cydippe
,
littera
nostra
redit
?
Hic
facit
ut
iaceas
et
sis
suspecta
Dianae
;
Hunc
tu
,
si
sapias
,
limen
adire
vetes
.
Hoc
faciente
subis
tam
saeva
pericula
vitae
Atque
utinam
pro
te
,
qui
movet
illa
,
cadat
!
Quem
si
reppuleris
,
nec
,
quem
dea
damnat
,
amaris
,
Tu
tunc
continuo
,
certe
ego
salvus
ero
.
Siste
metum
,
virgo
!
stabili
potiere
salute
,
Fac
modo
polliciti
conscia
templa
colas
;
Non
bove
mactato
caelestia
numina
gaudent
,
Sed
,
quae
praestanda
est
et
sine
teste
,
fide
.
Ut
valeant
aliae
,
ferrum
patiuntur
et
ignes
,
Fert
aliis
tristem
sucus
amarus
opem
.
Nil
opus
est
istis
;
tantum
periuria
vita
Teque
simul
serva
meque
datamque
fidem
!
Praeteritae
veniam
dabit
ignorantia
culpae
Exciderant
animo
foedera
lecta
tuo
.
Admonita
es
modo
voce
mea
cum
casibus
istis
,
Quos
,
quotiens
temptas
fallere
,
ferre
soles
.
His
quoque
vitatis
in
partu
nempe
rogabis
,
Ut
tibi
luciferas
adferat
illa
manus
?
Audiet
et
repetens
quae
sunt
audita
requiret
,
Iste
tibi
de
quo
coniuge
partus
eat
.
Promittes
votum
scit
te
promittere
falso
;
Iurabis
scit
te
fallere
posse
deos
!
Non
agitur
de
me
;
cura
maiore
laboro
.
Anxia
sunt
causa
pectora
nostra
tua
.
Cur
modo
te
dubiam
pavidi
flevere
parentes
,
Ignaros
culpae
quos
facis
esse
tuae
?
Et
cur
ignorent
?
matri
licet
omnia
narres
.
Nil
tua
,
Cydippe
,
facta
ruboris
habent
.
Ordine
fac
referas
ut
sis
mihi
cognita
primum
Sacra
pharetratae
dum
facit
ipsa
deae
;
Ut
te
conspecta
subito
,
si
forte
notasti
,
Restiterim
fixis
in
tua
membra
genis
;
Et
,
te
dum
nimium
miror
,
nota
certa
furoris
,
Deciderint
umero
pallia
lapsa
meo
;
Postmodo
nescio
qua
venisse
volubile
malum
,
Verba
ferens
doctis
insidiosa
notis
,
Quod
quia
sit
lectum
sancta
praesente
Diana
,
Esse
tuam
vinctam
numine
teste
fidem
Ne
tamen
ignoret
,
scripti
sententia
quae
sit
,
Lecta
tibi
quondam
nunc
quoque
verba
refer
. '
Nube
,
precor
,'
dicet
, '
cui
te
bona
numina
iungunt
;
Quem
fore
iurasti
,
sit
gener
ille
mihi
.
Quisquis
is
est
,
placeat
,
quoniam
placet
ante
Dianae
!'
Talis
erit
mater
,
si
modo
mater
erit
.
Sed
tamen
ut
quaerat
quis
sim
qualisque
,
videto
.
Inveniet
vobis
consuluisse
deam
.
Insula
,
Coryciis
quondam
celeberrima
nymphis
,
Cingitur
Aegaeo
,
nomine
Cea
,
mari
.
Illa
mihi
patria
est
;
nec
,
si
generosa
probatis
Nomina
,
despectis
arguor
ortus
avis
.
Sunt
et
opes
nobis
,
sunt
et
sine
crimine
mores
;
Amplius
utque
nihil
,
me
tibi
iungit
Amor
.
Appeteres
talem
vel
non
iurata
maritum
;
Iuratae
vel
non
talis
habendus
eram
.
Haec
tibi
me
in
somnis
iaculatrix
scribere
Phoebe
;
Haec
tibi
me
vigilem
scribere
iussit
Amor
;
E
quibus
alterius
mihi
iam
nocuere
sagittae
,
Alterius
noceant
ne
tibi
tela
,
cave
!
Iuncta
salus
nostra
est
miserere
meique
tuique
;
Quid
dubitas
unam
ferre
duobus
opem
?
Quod
si
contigerit
,
cum
iam
data
signa
sonabunt
,
Tinctaque
votivo
sanguine
Delos
erit
,
Aurea
ponetur
mali
felicis
imago
,
Causaque
versiculis
scripta
duobus
erit
:
Effigie
pomi
testatur
Acontius
huius
Quae
fuerint
in
eo
scripta
fuisse
rata
.
Longior
infirmum
ne
lasset
epistula
corpus
Clausaque
consueto
sit
sibi
fine
:
vale
!
Acontius to Cydippe BANISH all fear: you shall not here again swear in favor of your lover; it is enough that you have once solemnly vowed yourself to me. Read: so may that painful illness which spreads over all your joints, and racks my soul with a thousand fears, leave every affected part. Why does the blush kindle in your check? For I fancy I see your color change, as in the temple of Diana. I demand nothing criminal; I only ask that affinity and allegiance which you promised in the temple of Diana; I love you as a lawful husband, not an infamous adulterer. Ah! only repeat to yourself those binding words, which the unthinking fruit thrown by my hands presented to your chaste eyes. There you will find yourself to be bound by that vow, which I could wish you had rather remembered than the Goddess. But now I tremble even for that, while this hope has already gathered strength, and my flame increases every moment. For that love, which was always violent, is now increased by tedious delays, and by the hope you have cherished in my breast. You gave me hope; my love rested upon this foundation; nor can you deny a thing that was done in the presence of the Goddess. She was present, and overheard your vow; and her statue was seen to give a nod of approbation. I allow you to accuse me of having deceived you by an artful management, if, at the same time, you own it was love that prompted me to the ingenious deceit. What did all my artifice aim at, but to be joined to you alone? What you complain of, should render me rahter doubly dear to you. My ingenuity came neither from nature, nor from long practice; it is only you, dear girl, that can make me thus inventive. Love, fertile in expedients, turnished the form of words by which I bound you so close to myself; it indeed I really bound you. I inscribed a marriage-contract in words dictated by him; it was by following his suggestions, that I became so expert in the law. Let this stratagem then bear the name of fraud; let me be called cunning and deceitful, if it can be called a fraud to aim at the possession of what we love. See! I write a second time, and send you my prayers and entreaties. This too, no doubt, is a fraud; you have in this also a ground of complaint. If it is a crime to love, I own it, and must still be guilty without end. I must still pursue you, should even you yourself avoid my cager hopes. Others have carried away by force the virgin whom they loved; and can it be a crime in me to write a few words with artifice? How earnestly do I wish I could bind you by a thousand other ties, that no liberty might remain to plight your faith to another! A thousand stratagems are still left: I struggle hard to mount the difficult steep; nor will my ardent flame leave any expedient unessayed. It is uncertain, perhaps, whether you can be gained; but assuredly you shall. True; the event belongs to Heaven; still you shall be mine. Should you escape some, it will be impossible to elude all my snares; Love has spread more than you are well aware of. If artifice be unsuccessful, recourse must be had to violence, and you shall be borne by force into the arms of your eager admirer. I am none of those who blame the brave attempt of Paris, or of any who have shewn themselves men of steadiness and courage. I also will — But I am silent. Were death to be the punishment of the daring rape, yet that is still less than to be deprived of you. Were you moderately fair, you would be pursued with a moderate impatience; but a form so enchanting, makes us rash and resolute. You and your deluding eyes do ail this; those eyes that eclipse the sparkling stars, and have raised the flame that rages in my breast. Why lay you not the blame upon your golden locks and ivory neck, and those fair hands, which, Oh how happy, were they fondly circled round my neck? Why not upon your comely looks, and that enchanting face, where modesty shines without rusticity; your feet, which I can scarcely imagine are equaled by those of Thetis? Where I able to commend the rest also, I should be much happier; nor do I question that the whole frame is uniformly beautiful. What wonder then, if, overruled by so many powerful charms, I was anxious to have your promise, as a pledge of your love? Let it be so then; provided you are forced to own that you are deceived. I shall grant likewise that you were deceived by my address. Let me bear the envy; but let not the sufferer go without his reward. Why do I not reap the harvest of so great a crime? Telamon forced away Hesione, and Achilles Briseis: each captive followed her conqueror. Blame me as much as you will; I allow you even to be angry with me, if, though angry, I may be yet permitted to call you mine. I, who have raised this storm, will do all in my power to appease it; let me only have some opportunity of softening and quieting your resentment. Let me stand before you drowned in tears, and second my tears with the language they will naturally dictate; and, as is usual with slaves when they are afraid of the whip, let me clasp my suppliant hands round your knees. You seem not to know the right you have over me; summon me before you: why am I accused in my absence? Command me to appear in the right of one that has been long my mistress. Though full of resentment you tear my hair, and disfigure my face with your nails, I will patiently suffer all. I may indeed perhaps be apprehensive that those fair hands may be hurt in taking revenge. It will be needless to secure me with chains and fetters: love is a bond that will retain me beyond the power of an escape. When your resentment is fully satiated, you will be forced to sax, How patiently he loves! When you observe me submissively endure all, surely you cannot avoid saying, Who serves so well, let him continue to serve. Now I am accused in my absence; and my cause, though highly just, is lost for want of an advocate. But if it be allowed that the words I wrote, induced by love, are an injury, you have cause of complaint only against me. Does Diana also deserve to be deceived? If you will not perform the promise made to me, perform your promise to the Goddess. She was present, and saw your blushes on finding yourself deceived; she treasured up your words with a recollective car. May all the omens vanish in air: yet it is certain that no one takes a severer revenge, when (which Heaven forbid should be your case) she thinks the homage due to her neglected. As an instance of this, the Calydonian boar may be mentioned; for we know that a mother was found more barbarous towards her son, than even the savage beast. Other examples may be found in Actæon, who appeared a savage to those very dogs, with which he had formerly hunted down savages; and in that haughty mother turned into a stone, who now stands disconsolate in the Mygdonian plains. Alas! Cydippe, I am afraid to speak the truth, lest you should think I admonish you falsely for my own sake. Yet I must speak: it is on this account (believe me) that you are so often seized with sickness, when preparing to wed. Diana herself wishes you guiltless, and strives to hinder you from running into perjury; she desires, that, with faith unstained, you may avoid giving offence. Hence, as often as you are in danger of being perfidious, the Goddess prevents the fatal crime. Cease then to provoke the deadly bow of the implacable Goddess; she may yet be softened, if you will not obstinately persist. Forbear, amiable nymph, to enfecble your tender limbs by preying fevers; preserve that blooming face for the sake of Acontius; preserve those enchanting looks formed to raise a flame in my breast, and the lively bloom that varies your snow-white face. If any enemy interpose to obstruct my happiness, may he feel the same torments under which I languish, when sickness threatens you. I am equally upon the rack whether I hear of your intended marriage or illness; nor is it easy to determine which apprehension gives most anxiety. Sometimes I am distracted to think that I should be the unhappy cause of your grief, and fear that my innocent artifice may have fatal effects. Grant, Heaven, that Cydippe's perjurics may be upon the head of her lover, and that the punishment may be transferred to me alone. Yet always restless till I know how it is with you, I creep silently to your gate full of anxiety. There whispering privately to some one of the slaves, I enquire whether you have been relieved by gentle slumbers, or refreshing food. O were I blest, as the physician, to reach out the cordial draughts, press your soft hand or lean gently upon the bed! But how hard, and yet more than wretched is my fate; to be thus banished from your presence, while he whom most I fear sits perhaps close by you. Hated alike by the Gods and me, he is yet allowed gently to squeeze your hand, and lean over your fading cheeks. Fond of every pretence to feed the beating vein, he slides his daring hand along your snowy arm, hides it in your bosom, and snatches the fragrant kisses, a roward too great for his officious care. What right have you to reap the harvest of my bliss? Or how are you empowered to encroach upon another's bounds? I hat bosom is mine; you basely rob na or my kisses. Take off your hand from a body promised to me. Traitor, take off your hands; you touch a bosom that will soon be mine; in doing this hereafter, you will become an intamous adulterer Choose from among others, where no prior right is claimed; for know, that another lore commands that breast: nor trust to my testimony; read the form by which she engaged herself; and, to prevent a possibility of deceit, make even Cydippe repeat the binding vow. Again then I say, Depart from another's bed. What brings you here? He gone; this bed is already possessed: for, even if it be allowed that you also have a promise of the beauteous prize, yet the justice of your claim comes-far short of mine. I rely upon a promise made by herself you claim the promise of a father. Surely she is to herself in a degree nearer than that of father. Her father barely promised; she hath vowed herself to her lover: he called men to witness, but she bound herself in the presence of a Geddess. He fears a breach of promise, she dreads the guilt of perjury: can you doubt, after this, which has the juster ground of concern? In fine, that you may be the better able to compare the danger on both sides, reflect only upon the events that threaten each; he enjoys perfect health, she lies in hazard of her life. We also enter the lists unequally matched; neither our hopes nor our fears are alike. You unconcernedly solicit the fair; to me a repulse is more insupportable than death. I am at present deeply enamored of what you perhaps may love some time hence. If you have any regard to right and justice, you ought frankly to yield to my superior flame. And now, when he inhumanly contends in an unrighteous cause, be attentive, Cydippe, to the counsel my epistle gives you. It is he that brings on your present iliness, and makes you suspected by Diana; forbid him therefore, it you are wise, any more to appreach your gate. It is your compliance in this case, that subjects you to these painful calamities of life. Why is not he who occasions all these disasters punished in your stead? Banish him only from you, nor show an affection to one disapproved by the Goddess; you will instantly recover your health, and restore me to myself and happiness. Banish therefore fear, amiable maid; you shall enjoy an established health; only neglect not the temple, conscious to your sacred vow. The heavenly powers are not appeased by slaughtered beasts; truth only, and a faithful regard to our vows, can avert their anger. Let others to recover health run through fire and sword: let them hope for relief from bitter draughts. You have no need of these: avoid only the guilt of perjury, perform the promised vow, and preserve both yourself and me. The not knowing that you were in fault, will excuse what is past; the form by which you bound yourself may have slipped out of your mind. But now you are fully admonished, both by my words, and those fetters, which, as often as you endeavour to break from them, bind you the faster. But could you get happily clear of even these, still remember that you must invoke her aid in the pressing hours of child-bed. She will attend; and, calling to mind the promise you made, enquire to what husband the birth belongs. If then you make a vow for your recovery, the Goddess will disregard it, knowing you to be false; if you confirm it by an oath, she still knows you can forget your engagements to the Gods themselves. I am not so much concerned for my own fate: a still greater care burthens my mind, and fills me with fear and anxiety for your life. Why do your trembling parents mourn your doubtful fate, while you keep them in ignorance of your daring crime? And why are they kept in ignorance? It is proper that you disclose all to your mother. There is nothing, Cydippe, of which you need be ashamed. Repeat all to her in order; say that I first saw you as you were engaged in the solemnities of the buskined Goddess. Tell her that, as soon as I saw you, (if perhaps you gave any attention to what I then did,) my eyes were immoveably fixed upon every limb and feature; that, while I was thus lost in admiration, (the sure sign of a growing love,) my cloak insensibly dropped from my shoulders; and that afterwards you perceived an apple, uncertain whence, come rolling towards you, but cunningly marked with ensnaring words; which, as they were read in the sacred presence of Diana, made the Goddess a witness that your faith is tied down to me. But that she may not be ignorant of what was contained in the writing, repeat to her the words you at that time read in the temple. Marry without hesitation, will she say, the youth to whom the gracious Gods have joined you: let him only be my son-in-law, whom you have solemnly sworn to accept in that character. Whoever he may be, as he has already made himself agreeable to Diana, he is agreeable also to me. Such will be your mother's behaviour, if she really acts the part of a mother to you. Yet you may admonish her to enquire who and what I am; nor will she find the Goddess to have been wholly regardless of your happiness. An isle, by name Ceos, formerly ennobled by the Corycian nymphs, is surrounded by the Ægean sea. This is my native country: and, if you are pleased with illustrious names, my ancestors will not fall below your hopes. I have also riches; my morals are without reproach; and, if no other recommendations existed, love makes you mine by the justest claim. You might even be pleased with such a husband, had no vow passed your lips; such an one might be acceptable, did no prior engagement intervene. These words the illustrious huntress dictated to me in my sleep; these too wakeful love commanded me boldly to write. I am already deeply wounded by Cupid's darts; it is yours, fair nymph, to beware of being pierced by the arrows of Diana. Our welfare is inseparable; have compassion both on me and yourself. Why do you delay the only cure that remains for both? If I should accomplish this object, I will, when the sacred solemnity begins, and Delos is sprinkledwith votive blood, consecrate a golden image of the happy apple, and upon it inscribe our fates in the following distich: "Acontius proclaims, by the consecrated image of this apple, that the inscription engraven upon it, was fulfilled to his desire." But not to fatigue you, already too much exhausted by a long epistle, and to end all in the usual terms of concluding, Farewell.